Mayor Sadiq Khan said that he will not tolerate hate crime for any of London’s communities and that tackling hate crimes continues to be a “great priority”. According to the Mayor, a new model by the MPS will provide a better response to the hate crime in terms of protection and medical assistance when required.
A question that was put forward by Assembly Member Unmesh Desai was ‘The number of homophobic hate crimes recorded in June was the highest number recorded in a single month in the last 10 years. Do you recognise rising homophobic hate as a growing issue and what work is being taken to reverse this trend?’
The London Assembly held on 14th Oct with the MAs and the Mayor.
Picture courtesy: Ekjot Kaur Oberoi
This role has been redesigned with specialist hate crime outcomes and more performance officers. He further adds that when a hate crime does occur, the focus is on improving the standard of investigation and improving the support system by ensuring that victims are referred to appropriate support services by the newly established voluntary role of LGBT+ advisor with over 160 offices and staffs that will engage to bring trust and confidence to report hate crime.
Approximately, out of 399 homophobic hate crimes recorded in June, 53 attacks were targeted towards trans people- the highest number on the record. Mr Desai stated that the figures were “alarming and depressing” and that the government cannot become “complacent” when it comes to tackling homophobia.
Metropolitan Police Service has united with Galop, an LGBT+ anti-violence charity, as an independent figure has been appointed to develop responses to hate crime and improve support for victims. Khan has invested £7 million in the new Pan London hate crime victim services to be launched this month.
LGBT Parade goers at Piccadilly Circus during Pride parade, London.
Picture courtesy: The Huffington Post
Khan also added that it is important to send a message that is standard in service, “London is open for all and is a beacon for culture and LGBTQ+ community and I am proud to stand alongside the LGBT pride every year and my partners at city hall are working with these communities. Hatred and Violence will not be tolerated.”
Desai appreciated the seriousness given to the issue and also mentioned “Hate continues to parses in many forms” and further asked questions to the mayor regarding analysis and reasons as to why there was a growth in these crimes during the summer and the measures that will be taken to resolve this. Khan said that the hate crime spreads like a “ripple effect” which needs to be ceased by ending the misogynies when ignited.
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