Agenda item
Rise in hate crime
Minutes:
The Mayor stated that Members would be aware that there was concern about a rise in hate crime in the context of the outcome of the referendum on Britain`s membership of the European Union.
The Mayor stated that, as a result, he had agreed to take the rise of hate crime as an item of urgent business.
The Mayor read out a statement from London Councils regarding hate crime:
‘We will not tolerate hate crime or any kind of attack against people because of their ethnic origin. We are proud to be a diverse city and we will stay that way. We will continue to work together for the security and prosperity of all Londoners’.
Councillor Colwill spoke on behalf of the Conservative Group. He stated how lucky Brent residents were to live in such a diverse borough.
Councillor Warren spoke of the impressive diversity in Brent. He warned against complacency. As community leaders, Councillors had a duty to challenge hate crime. The motion from London Councils sent a clear message to all of Brent’s residents.
Councillor Choudhury stated that Brent was fortunate not to have too many instances of hate crime but that hate crime, according to the Police, was on the rise, notably following the EU referendum. He stated that during the riots in 2011, Brent had not witnessed outbreaks of significant violence.
Councillor Carr stated that all hate crimes must be reported to the Police. She echoed words of Pastor Martin Niemöller about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis' rise to power.
Councillor Maurice spoke of his Jewish faith saying that he had, at all times, been welcomed in the Council Chamber.
Councillor Tatler spoke of her personal experience of racism. She stated that in addition to hate crimes, quiet prejudice needed also to be challenged.
Councillor Nerva stated that the diversity of Brent worked well. Brent was a melting pot of diversity. He stated that there had to be zero tolerance for hate crime. Councillor Nerva spoke of an event on 21 July organised by Brent Council Time to Talk – about personal experiences of hate crime. He also spoke about an event being organised by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham about Hate Crime.
Councillor Kelcher spoke of elected members’ special responsibility to report hate crime. He spoke of recent experiences in Kensal Green Ward.
Councillor Shahzad stated that the EU referendum appeared to have divided the country. He stated that some of the rhetoric used during the EU referendum campaign had contributed to the rise in hate crime. People were fearful of their current status in the country as a result of the EU referendum result. He urged national politicians to reassure people living in fear about their right to stay in the country.
Councillor Mahmood expressed concern about the apparent rise in hate crime since the EU referendum. He said that the people of Brent generally live in harmony. He urged his fellow Councillors to stand together to condemn this behaviour which had no place in society.
Councillor Hoda-Benn stated that some people had lived with racist and xenophobic hate crime throughout their lives. She urged her fellow Councillors to encourage residents to ensure all hate crime was reported.
Councillor Mashari echoed the views of colleagues about racist attacks. She stated that the rise of recent hate crime had been directed at Eastern European residents in Brent especially Romanian and Polish. She urged her colleagues to stand resolute with the Eastern European communities of Brent.
Councillor Butt thanked his fellow councillors for their contributions and welcomed the cross party consensus. He sought to send a clear message to all those living in Brent – wherever they may be from originally. He stated that the Council would stand by its residents during times of uncertainty regardless of the result of EU exit negotiations. He welcomed the conviction, honesty and integrity of his fellow councillors.
RESOLVED:
We will not tolerate hate crime or any kind of attack against people because of their ethnic origin. We are proud to be a diverse city and we will stay that way. We will continue to work together for the security and prosperity of all Londoners.