Government must redouble its efforts to prevent hate crime

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, has called for the definition of 'aggravated offences' to be extended following hate crime statistics published today reveal hate crime has more than doubled in England and Wales since 2013/2014.

Vince Cable said "The Tories cannot hide from these galling statistics. Their Government must redouble its efforts to prevent hate crime, which can inflict lasting psychological damage, divide communities and beget further violence. The Liberal Democrats are therefore calling for the definition of 'aggravated offences' to be extended, so that it covers hate crimes based on gender, sexual orientation and disability. That would send a clear message that no form of hate crime can be tolerated, and ensure that all victims are protected."

The statistics reveal recorded hate crimes are up 17% from 2016-17 to 2017-18 (from 80,393 to 94,098). Hate crime has more than doubled since 2013/2014. This breaks down as follows:

• Race hate crime: 71,251, up 14% year-on-year
• Sexual orientation: 11,638, up 27%
• Religion: 8,336, up 40%
• Disability: 7,226, up 30%
• Transgender: 1,651, up 32%