Stop Hate UK Statement on the Rise in Recorded Hate Crime 

Stop Hate UK is deeply concerned by the latest Home Office figures showing a 7% increase in police-recorded hate crime across England and Wales, with record highs in both racially and religiously motivated offences. These figures demonstrate that hate and hostility remain a significant and growing issue affecting individuals and communities across the country. 

Particularly alarming is the increase in offences targeting Muslim and Jewish communities. Behind every statistic is a person whose safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging has been harmed. These figures underline the urgent need for sustained action to prevent hate, challenge intolerance, and support those affected.  

While attention will rightly focus on the increases recorded in racial and religious hate crime, we are equally concerned by the reported reduction in the recording of disability, sexual orientation and transgender hate crimes. We do not believe these figures reflect the everyday experiences of many disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and transgender individuals living in the UK. 

We are hearing increasing concerns from communities about the impact of negative public discourse. Hostile rhetoric directed at transgender people, alongside ongoing debates surrounding disability benefits and welfare reform, have contributed to people feeling less safe, less valued and less confident that their experiences will be taken seriously. 

We are concerned that this environment contributes to a growing reluctance to report incidents. Many people affected by hate continue to believe that reporting will not lead to meaningful action, or that doing so would be a waste of police time. This lack of confidence creates a significant risk that incidents go unreported and that the true extent of hate experienced by these communities is not being captured. 

Hate crime statistics are an important measure, but they do not tell the whole story. Reductions in reporting should not automatically be interpreted as reductions in harm. There is a need to continue building trust with communities, improving access to reporting mechanisms, and ensuring that victims are confident they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously. 

Everyone has the right to live free from hatred, discrimination, and targeted abuse. We call on government, public bodies, criminal justice agencies and community organisations to work together to address the causes of hate, improve confidence in reporting, and ensure that all victims receive the support and protection they deserve.