Historical statement · published 7 August 2017. References and circumstances reflect the time of publication.
We are appalled to hear the news of a young woman being brutally attacked in a racially motivated incident which sadly led to the loss of her unborn child. This comes just weeks after Arkadiusz Jozwik was murdered in Harlow in a murder which was also motivated by racial hatred. We wish to extend our condolences to both of the families affected by these crimes. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Sadly, these attacks were not isolated incidents. Over the last few months we have witnessed a significant rise in hate crimes; from the desecration of places of worship to verbal and physical abuse inflicted upon people simply because of their race, religion or ethnicity. These are shameful and despicable acts of cowardice. Our media and politicians play a significant role in shaping public opinion.
We have been deeply disappointed by the attitudes of some who we believe are responsible for cultivating a divisive and toxic narrative which has allowed an environment of hate to flourish. We urge them to reflect on the consequences of the words that they use.Everybody has the right to feel safe and confident about their identity. Hate crimes of any kind, directed against any individual, community or religion has absolutely no place in our society. It is divisive and damaging to our community.
We must stand together against such hate and ensure that it is stamped out. We are committed to supporting all those who are affected by these crimes and continue to work towards bringing people closer together and celebrating the rich and diverse community around us. We urge anyone who thinks they may have experienced or witnessed hate crime to report it by calling the police, by contacting a local third party reporting centre (Details can be found here: www.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/news/Pages/Bedfordshire-stands- up-to-hate- crime.aspx ) or online at www.report-it.org.uk/home.
On behalf of: Luton Sunni Council of Mosques Luton Council of Mosques Luton Council of Faiths Polonia – Polish Community Group Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue Luton Turkish Community Sri Lankan Islamic Forum Luton An-Nisa Trust Gavin Shuker, MP Luton South Kelvin Hopkins, MP Luton North Councillor Hazel Simmons (Leader of Luton Borough Council) Rt. Revd Richard Atkinson OBE, Bishop of Bedford Monsignor Kevin McGinnell (Catholic Dean of Luton) Revd Bonnie Evans-Hills (Inter Faith Adviser, Diocese of St Albans) Joe Piennar (Area Dean of Luton) Ashuk Ahmed, MBE Peter Adams (Working for Peace & Reconciliation at St Mary's Church, Luton Tony Thonpson (Hope Church, Luton)