Today the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service released statistics relating to hate crime charges in Scotland. As Scottish Labour’s Justice spokesperson I commented on behalf of the party.

You can read my response below:

Commenting on the publication of Hate Crime in Scotland 2015-16 report from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Labour’s Justice Spokesperson Claire Baker MSP said: 

“It is deeply concerning to see a rise in hate crime in Scotland. As a tolerant and inclusive society, Scotland has no place for such prejudices and the country must unite behind tackling these shameful acts.

“With the doubling of Islamic hate crimes and the year on year increases in crimes relating to both sexual orientation and disability it is clear the Scottish Government must take greater action to reverse the increase in these crimes.

“This should include supporting the Time for Inclusive Education campaign, providing a strategy which will underpin this ambition, deliver an update to the Toolkit for Teachers, and set out clear standards detailing how to support LGBTI young people and meet their needs.”