• HATRED has no place in Islington. This Labour council is committed to creating a fairer borough for everyone. That includes ensuring everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender, feels safe.

We are working hard to encourage more people to report hate crime, improve victim support and secure action against perpetrators. The council will be supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 14-21) to demonstrate how we are tackling hate crime and empowering people to speak out.

This year, National Hate Crime Awareness Week has particular significance for Islington, following the terrorist attack in Finsbury Park in June. The council, emergency services and residents rushed to offer support and rally together in a show of unity, proving that we will not be divided by hate.

This weekend, we will be launching the Islington Hate Crime Pledge, reinforcing the aims of the hate crime strategy launched last year. We will be coordinating events with the voluntary and community sector and police, which all residents are welcome to attend.

Islington is home to people of all backgrounds. The vast majority of our community treats each other with dignity and respect. We will continue to challenge the small minority who do not.

CLLR KAYA COMER-SCHWARTZ
Labour executive member for community development