Reacting to new statistics released today which show that there has been a 9% rise in hate crimes since last year – now the highest on record – Liberal Democrat Justice and Equalities Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse MP said: “Violence and abuse of any kind has no place in our society. It is unacceptable that so many people are victimised simply because of who they are. This has to change.
“There are even more hate crimes – against women – that are not included in these statistics, because the Government still refuses to make misogyny a hate crime. It’s time for the Prime Minister to listen to our calls for change, so that crimes motivated by hatred against women are treated as seriously as those motivated by racism or religious hatred.
“Everyone should be able to be who they are and live the life they choose, without fearing for their safety. That demands responsible leadership that celebrates our diversity and condemns the divisive, intolerant rhetoric that inflames hatred.”