Liverpool to stage major conference on tackling hate crime
17.10.24 - Merseyside
Liverpool will host a major crime conference tomorrow (Friday, 18 October) that will explore the reasons that led to the riots following the fatal stabbings in Southport in August.
The “Hate Crime Together” conference, the first of its kind in the city region this decade, will also look at the events that led to the riots in the city which culminated in the torching of Spellow Library in Walton.
Held in the Merseyside Maritime Museum, in the Royal Albert Dock, the event will be led by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell who will address delegates with a keynote speech emphasising the work to reject those that sow and spread hatred and division.
Emily will also be joined by speakers such as Rose Simkins, CEO of StopHateUK and Kaushik Mistry, CEO of the Anthony Walker Foundation, with the conference the final event in the region to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for Community Safety, will also set out a
pledge for all major partners across the city region to deliver on three key commitments:
1. Raise awareness and challenge hate-based behaviour in order to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion across the Liverpool City Region.
2. Increase confidence to report hate crime to the police and partners.
3. Provide consistent and effective support for victims by promoting collaboration across all agencies.
The event brings more than 100 partners together to focus on how they can work collaboratively to tackle hate and make communities safer.
Merseyside Police and all five local authorities, as well as Victim Care Merseyside support services and other third sector services, will re-confirm the region’s commitment to reducing hate crime, sharing experience and knowledge.
In light of the recent disorder in the summer, additional hate crime awareness sessions have been planned for Black and ethnic minority groups and associations to provide extra support and reassurance.
There has also been various workshops in primary and secondary schools, colleges, job centres, councils, and LGBTQ+ and disability community groups to increase awareness of the support available.
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Tackling hate crime is a priority for me, so I am incredibly pleased to be opening the LCR Tackling Hate Crime Together conference and pledging my continued support to preventing and reducing hate crime, improving the support for victims and making our communities safer, happier places to live.
“Sadly, the appalling scenes of violence and disorder recently here on Merseyside were clearly manipulated and motivated by racism and islamophobia. They are a stark reminder of why we must do everything possible to tackle hate in all its despicable forms, standing together to send out a message that hate is not welcome here.
“I look forward to uniting with partners at this event to share learning, experiences and best practice to further strengthen the work which is taking place across the region to tackle hate crime and make our communities safer.”
Rose Simkins, CEO of StopHateUK, said: "During the recent riots, many became more aware of the dangers of hate, but at Stop Hate UK, we see these risks every day. That's why we're here to support victims and witnesses of hate crime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thanks to funding from Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, we're able to continue providing this vital service to those in need. Stop Hate UK is pleased to be a part of this conference, bringing partners together to share experiences and work towards making our communities safer."
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “What we all witnessed across the UK in the wake of tragic of events in Southport highlighted how much work needs to be done to tackle racism in our communities.
“Ignorance fuels hatred and the way to combat that is through education – at all levels with all ages. We must stretch every sinew to ensure people know that such behaviour will never be tolerated and highlight at every opportunity why such views are just wrong.
“It’s hugely encouraging to see so many partners come together from right across the region to unite and join our collective forces with the pledge to redouble our efforts in how we tackle hate crime and to reassure all minority groups – be that race, gender, faith - that they have our full support in stamping such behaviour out.”
Detective Superintendent and Hate Crime Lead for the force, Joe Marston, said: “We are dedicated to addressing hate crime because we understand the significant impact it can have on our victims and our communities.
“It's great to be part of this conference where, along with our partners, we can showcase the efforts being made to combat different forms of hate crime and the support options available. This event is also an important opportunity to emphasise the importance of reporting hate crime and to listen to victims sharing their experiences. This will help educate us on how to increase the confidence of others to come forward in the future."