Statement from Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government
“Nobody in Britain should live in fear because of who they are, what they believe or who they choose to love.
The Government is committed to tackling hate crime and this is why we have published a new Hate Crime Action plan to focus on reducing incidents, increasing reporting and improving support for victims.
However, it is the important work of Tell MAMA and other organisations supporting tonight’s event that make this possible in their work tackling prejudice with people from all backgrounds.
It is essential that each of us rejects hatred, offering instead empathy and support to victims of hate crime.
This evening’s launch of the National Hate Crime Awards is an opportunity to honour the remarkable individuals who are leading the fight against hate crime and I am delighted to offer my support. “
Statement from the Right Honourable Nick Clegg MP
“The National Hate Crime Awards are hugely important to honour the tireless and selfless work that so many do across the country to challenge intolerance. We have recently seen rises in hate crimes across the UK yet the cornerstone of our country is based on protecting the dignity and identities of people so that they are not targeted out of hatred, intolerance and prejudice. I stand by these core values and that is why we must honour those in our communities who stand up against such intolerant behaviour.”
Statement from Alison Saunders CB, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
“The CPS is delighted to support the first National Hate Crime Awards.
The CPS is committed to doing all it can to improve awareness of hate crime, increase the reporting of these corrosive crimes and raise confidence in the prosecution process.
Celebrating the achievements of those at the forefront of effective change, to the benefit of all communities, plays a central role in pursuit of this objective.”