Human rights body, Amnesty International is calling on local leaders to condemn the spate of racist attacks and incidents in the wake of the 23 June pro—Brexit vote.
In an on line statement, Amnesty says:
“Violence. Vandalism. Hate speech. Racist slogans on t-shirts. In the last few days, reports of hate crimes in Britain have increased.
Fuelled by years of hostile rhetoric, coupled with divisive campaigns, we are now seeing racism and xenophobia on the rise on our streets and in our communities.
“Local leaders must condemn these actions immediately and do everything in their power to make people safe and welcome. Tell your council to speak out against racism, xenophobia and hate crimes now.”
Both the Mayors of London and Bristol have already have reacted to reports of racist incidents.
London’s Sadiq Khan says:
"As your Mayor, I take seriously my responsibility to defend London's fantastic mix of diversity and tolerance. So it's really important we stand guard against any rise in hate crimes or abuse by those who might use last week's referendum as cover to seek to divide us.
I've asked our police to be extra vigilant for any rise in cases of hate crime, and I'm calling on all Londoners to pull together and rally behind this great city."
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, added: "We will investigate vigorously any reports of crime motivated by hatred. "
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees says that the city is:
“United in embracing future opportunity and facing down challenges... In this time of uncertainty I want to recognise the strength and positivity brought by diversity to Bristol.”
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