Hate crime rise abhorrent, Sadiq Khan says

Sadiq Khan is appealing to Londoners to "continue to look out for their friends and neighbours"

Sadiq Khan has urged Londoners to remain united “against all forms of hate” as the conflict in the Middle East deepens.

The mayor has announced a further £875,000 investment in grass-roots community projects working to tackle hate, extremism and radicalisation.

The funding comes just ahead of the first anniversary of the outbreak of war in Gaza on 7 October.

“We know that an escalation in conflict in the Middle East often leads to an increase in hate crime here in London,” Mr Khan said at an event bringing together organisations that work to combat hate crime and extremism.

'Abhorrent and completely unacceptable'

“With the appalling further escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and the region, I’m appealing to Londoners to continue to look out for their friends and neighbours, whatever their faith and backgrounds, and stand united against all forms of hate.

“We have seen an abhorrent and completely unacceptable rise in hate crime over the last year – particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia – which has profoundly impacted our Jewish and Muslim communities in London.

"I’m determined to continue to work in partnership with community, faith and police leaders to ensure everyone in the capital feels safe and is safe.”

The Met Police recorded a 286% rise in antisemitic hate crime from September 2023 to August, compared to the same period in the 12 months before, and a 67% increase in anti-Muslim hate crime.

The need for early intervention to prevent radicalisation was highlighted earlier this month, when Home Office data revealed that a record number of children were arrested as terror suspects in the year to June.

Police detained 242 people on suspicion of terror offences during the 12-month period, of whom 40 were aged 17 or under.

'No tolerance for hate crime'

According to City Hall, the £875,000 investment will support 20 groups, among them the Anne Frank Trust UK, to deliver workshops that challenge anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate. Another recipient of funding is Exit Hate, which works with people aged 14-18 to help them understand the dangers posed by extreme ideologies.

The latest funding package forms part of the mayor’s Shared Endeavour Fund, and is expected to benefit about 50,000 Londoners.

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Our work, which is underpinned by engagement with community representatives and with our key partners, will continue.

"Together, we are determined to demonstrate that there will be no tolerance for hate crime in London.”