BLOG: Standing together against hate, standing proud for inclusion
14.07.26 - Merseyside
Emily Spurrell is using her monthly blog to call for unity this Pride month, urging all communities to stand together against hate, to help build a stronger Merseyside.
"Pride Month is once again upon us. It’s a time to celebrate diversity, champion inclusion and stand alongside our LGBTQ+ communities across Merseyside.
"Pride is about coming together and showing that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued. It is a celebration, but it is also an opportunity for honest conversations about how we can create a more inclusive society and better support all of our communities.
"I am committed to supporting projects that will help promote community safety, accessibility and inclusion during Pride celebrations and beyond and I will always be a proud supporter of our LGBTQ+ community, especially at a time when many people are looking for support, solidarity and reassurance.
"We have seen what can happen when communities are divided, when differences are exploited and when people are targeted simply for being themselves. Merseyside's strength has always been its diversity and its ability to come together. We must never allow prejudice and intolerance to undermine that.
"Let me be clear: hate crime is abhorrent and not welcome anywhere in our region. Targeting somebody because of who they are, how they look, who they love, their faith, disability, race or any other part of their identity is never acceptable.
"We have seen reporting of hate crime increase in recent years. That does not necessarily mean hate crime itself is increasing; it can also mean more people feel confident enough to come forward. But one victim is one too many.
"That is why I fund Stop Hate UK's independent 24-hour reporting service. If you experience hate crime, or witness it, please report it. Every report helps us better understand the challenges facing our communities and ensures victims can access support.
"My message this Pride Month is simple: Merseyside is No Place for Hate. By standing together against hatred in all its forms, we can build a safer, stronger and more inclusive region for everyone."