Following reports of an increase in verbal attacks and hate crimes against migrant communities across the country, Barnet’s Labour councillors have submitted a motion to the 26 July Full Council meeting condemning hate crime and supporting community cohesion.
Leader of the Barnet Labour Group, Cllr Barry Rawlings said: “Barnet is a place of many diverse, settled communities, and we should all be outraged about the recent reported increase in verbal attacks and hate crimes against migrant communities across the country.
“Following the EU Referendum result we need to ensure Barnet remains a place where people from all communities feel safe, secure and welcome, and that there is zero-tolerance of any racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.
“We should all work with the police, the council and the voluntary sector to maintain community cohesion.
“Labour councillors see this as so important that we offered to do a joint statement with the Conservative Council administration in a spirit of solidarity. We were disappointed that the Council Leader declined to do so, but look forward to them issuing their own statement.
“We have submitted a motion to the 26 July Full Council meeting on this issue, so councillors across the political divide can express our unity against racism and intolerance.
“We wish to reassure all EU nationals living in Barnet that they are welcome members of our community, and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that they can remain here following the Brexit result.
“If you are the victim of any hate crime or witness any hate crime please do report it to the police.”