Gay community must unite to report all hate crime

I was very concerned to see figures from the Met Police showing a significant increase in homophobic crime across London. Camden has the third highest number of incidents in London. Homophobic crime rose 20.9 per cent in the borough, to 81 in the year to

I was very concerned to see figures from the Met Police showing a significant increase in homophobic crime across London. Camden has the third highest number of incidents in London. Homophobic crime rose 20.9 per cent in the borough, to 81 in the year to June.

These figures should prompt renewed action to tackle these disturbing crimes. Lesbian and gay people, as well as heterosexuals, must be encouraged to report any incidents of homophobic hate crime. More also needs to be done in schools to educate young people and eradicate homophobic bullying. And the police should be making every effort to investigate all homophobic hate crimes.

Jean Lambert MEP

Green Party, London

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