Laura Sharman 28 June 2016

Reports of hate crime up by 57% following Brexit

There has been a 57% increase in the number of hate crimes reported to a police website following last week’s referendum.

The increase in the number of reports made to True Vision has been condemned by prime minister David Cameron who said hate crime ‘must be stamped out’.

Over the past few days, details of alleged racist and xenophobic attacks have emerged, many of which are thought to be linked to Brexit.

This includes offensive graffiti left on the front of the Polish Social and Cultural Association in Hammersmith and Fulham. Police are investigating the attack, which is being treated as a hate crime.

Racist leaflets have also been found on cars outside homes and schools in Huntingdon, containing the words ‘No more Polish Vermin’. Police there are also investigating, saying whoever distributed the material is guilty of ‘inciting racial hatred’.

The Muslim Council of Britain has also warned the referendum result has led to more hate crimes and has compiled a list of more than 100 incidents reported since last Thursday.

Dr Shuja Shafi, the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: ‘As the results of the referendum became known, I called for our politicians to come together and heal the divisions that have emerged as a result of the campaign. Now we are witnessing the shocking extent of this with reports around the country of hate speech and minorities being targeted.

‘We need leadership now more than ever before. Our country is experiencing a political crisis which, I fear threatens the social peace. Whatever differences we may have, it is vitally important that we demonstrate solidarity for those attacked, and state, in the words of the murdered MP Jo Cox, that “We have far more in common than which divides us”.’

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Leader LGV Driver (Seasonal)

Wakefield Council
£21,448.50 - £23,652.75, Grade 6, 27.75 hours, Permanent
This is a full-time post of 37 hours per week (Tuesday to Friday - March - November) Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Planning Ecologist

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 - Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
Wakefield Council has an exciting opportunity for an ecologist to joint our friendly, professional Planning Policy and Environment team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Prestige Gardener

Wakefield Council
£28,598.00 - £31,537.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Temporary
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Prestige Gardener Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Planning Policy Lead

Ribble Valley Borough Council
PO5-8 (scp 35-38) £46,142 to £49,282 per annum
We are looking for a qualified planning professional with full RTPI membership and substantial knowledge Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Senior Occupational Therapist (Front Door Team)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£46,498 - £50,947 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Occupational Therapist to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner