It’s now been a month since the EU referendum took place. Financial indicators are being reported, rhetoric has started etc. but the most worrying outcome is the ‘hate crime’ that a minority appear to feel has been legitimised, due to the result, which of course it hasn’t and has no place in our society.

The  Western Gazette reported an incident in St Michaels Avenue, Yeovil, which was rightly condemned by Cllr Tony Lock in a subsequent WG article:

“A town councillor has spoken out against hate crime following a ‘racially aggravated’ attack in Yeovil.

A Polish man in his 30s was left with significant injuries following the attack on St Michael’s Avenue at 6pm on Friday, June 24.

The man was approached by two men outside the old Green Dragon Pub and after asking the victim whether he spoke English. The men then repeatedly punched and kicked him, continuing the attack as he lay on the floor.

Cllr Tony Lock has called for the community to come together and that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Read more at http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/councillor-speaks-out-against-hate-crime-after-racially-aggravated-attack-in-yeovil/story-29479215-detail/story.html#im8bcXbwyaDKBH6L.99

At South Somerset District Council last Thursday a motion was proposed by Cllr Crispin Raikes, seconded by Cllr Amanda Broom regarding ‘hate crime’ and supported unanimously. This was reported in Yeovil Press (SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Council unites to battle against hate crime):

“In the wake of the recent killing of Jo Cox MP and the less savoury rhetoric of some in the referendum campaign, this council wishes to make it clear that we, the councillors, are proud to represent a vibrant and diverse community,” he said.

“We totally condemn any form of racism, intolerance, bigotry or xenophobia. Hate crimes have no place in our society and we will do all we can to prevent them.”

“The residents of South Somerset, whatever their gender, race, creed, age, colour or sexual orientation are treated equally.”

Cllr Broom added: “We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

“We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia. We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”

Cllr Broom also added, referring to Stronger IN/Libdem IN Together campaign “In one example, we were threatened with execution, with the youngest members of our group being told they should be locked in the Tower of London for treason.”

According the BBC in a report. More than 6,000 hate crimes have been reported to police in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the wake of the EU referendum, figures show, “…the overall level was up 20% on the same period in July 2015”.

As Libdem’s we also condemn these actions, “Liberal Democrats are working to stamp out hate crime against people as a result of their ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, age or disability.”

http://www.libdems.org.uk/stamping_out_hate_crime

Whatever your thoughts on the EU referendum, be that Remain, or Leave, violence is NEVER the answer and is in no way acceptable, as the above shows, and is condemned at every level quite rightly.

I echo the statements from my fellow councillors and wholeheartedly support them. As Cllr Tony Lock said in the WG article:

“I encourage anyone who witnessed this crime or any other hate crime to please contact the Police urgently by calling 101. The perpetrators of this crime should be brought to justice and should be dealt with appropriately.”

I can only finish by repeating Cllr Raikes words:

“We totally condemn any form of racism, intolerance, bigotry or xenophobia. Hate crimes have no place in our society and we will do all we can to prevent them.”

“The residents of South Somerset, whatever their gender, race, creed, age, colour or sexual orientation are treated equally.”

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