Hate crime: Report finds significant progress in reducing hate crime
The coalition government is making significant progress in the battle against hate crime, according to an official report.
The Hate Crime Action Plan documents the government’s work to tackle hate crime.
A report on the progress made in the past 2 years has been published. Achievements include: better education of secondary school pupils, improved recording by police and work with major internet service providers in the UK and USA to reduce the harm caused by hate material on the internet. The report also discusses the spike in anti-Muslim sentiment following the murder of Lee Rigby.
Hate crime
Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said:
Hate crime has devastating consequences for victims and their families, and can divide communities. The coalition government is determined to stamp out this ugly and unacceptable crime in all its forms.
We have already made significant progress ensuring transgender hatred is taken into account in the courts during sentencing, working closely with police to encourage hate crime victims to come forward, and encouraging Police and Crime Commissioners to tailor specific responses to local issues and priorities.
I am determined to keep pace as new issues emerge to ensure attitudes that foster hatred are challenged and the richness and diversity of British society is protected.
Prejudice
To mark the launch of the report, the Minister visited St Gabriel’s College, Camberwell, which hosted an exhibition on prejudice created by the Anne Frank Trust.
Government funding has helped the Anne Frank Trust to educate thousands of students and train peer guides to spread the message to their friends and encourage cohesion in their communities.