“HATE CRIMES TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” SAYS PCC CANDIDATE KATE SMITH

Kate Smith - Liberal Democrat PCC Candidate for Derbyshire

The Liberal Democrats are calling on anyone "with a public platform" to condemn divisive rhetoric that "inflames hatred", as new figures show that some hate-crimes have risen to a new record high.

Home Office figures issued to coincide with National Hate-Crime Week in October 2020 show that:

105,090 hate crimes were recorded in England and Wales in the year to March 2020, a record high;
There was an extra large rise in hate-crimes against LGBT+ people, with a 19 % rise in sexual-orientation-based hate-crimes and an 18 % increase in transphobic hate-crimes;

There was also a big spike in the numbers of racially- and religiously-motivated hate-crimes in June and July 2020.

Lib Dem Equalities Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse MP, says: "Far too many people's lives are blighted by hatred and abuse. It is totally unacceptable that so many people are still victimised simply for who they are." Derbyshire PCC Candidate Kate Smith adds, "The Liberal Democrats will always stand firm against hatred. We must bring people together to create a society where we celebrate diversity, and where everyone can feel safe and able to be who they are."

James Archer Parliamentary Spokesperson for Erewash

Erewash Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Spokesperson, James Archer says: "When I did my law masters, I chose to look at hate crimes against alternative subcultures as my dissertation topic. Looking at this topic it was clear that each hate crime affects more than just a single victim, but damages our society and undermines the diversity of opinion that makes this country what it is."

"I am incredibly proud that I did not have to change my appearance or hide my identity as a punk to stand in the last Genreral Election for the Liberal Democrats and I hope that that has helped change some poeples attitudes to punks and alternative subcultures."

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