Standing Together Against Hate

Friday 9th October 2020,

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson is joining police and partners nationwide in support of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which takes place between 10th and 17th October 2020.

It encourages people to work in solidarity with those affected by hate crime, to remember those who have been lost and assist those who need ongoing help.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said:

“Hate Crime Awareness Week is a great opportunity to stand together with our communities and reject hate and intolerance.

“We all have a role to play in doing this and although more awareness and positive progress has been made, there is still much more to do.

“I want to offer reassurance that myself and the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police are committed to working together with partners to tackle these issues head on.

“We will not tolerate fear and hostility or allow them to be used as reasons to divide our communities and demonise others. Covid-19 has also had a major impact on all our lives but we cannot allow it to divide us as we know our diversity is one of our greatest strength, something that we will continue to celebrate.

“A host of work has been done and is on-going, I have worked with West Yorkshire Police for a number of years to run the “Hate Hurts” campaign which looks to raise awareness of the issues and how to report them.

“I have helped fund Victims Hubs in every district of West Yorkshire where anyone affected by crime can go and get the support they need.

For further information about hate crime, please visit the dedicated web page: http://www.westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/campaigns/hate-crime