Scottish Government promises new measures to tackle hate crime

Angela Constance - Image credit: Parliament TV

The Scottish Government has laid out new measures to tackle hate crime in Scotland.

The commitments include the launch of a national campaign to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how to report it, a refresh of the bullying strategy in schools as well as more training for teachers on equality, and work with the STUC and others to collect evidence of hate crime in the workplace, particularly against frontline workers.

The Government will also work with transport providers and disabled people’s organisations to deliver a hate crime charter for public transport, to include steps such as consistent retention of CCTV footage to help police follow up on incidents.

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The Scottish Government is already working with Police Scotland around data with a view to producing more detailed hate crime statistics.

The measures are a response to the recommendations of the Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime, which were published in September 2016.

A multi-agency advisory group will be set up to implement the recommendations along with an advisory panel on community cohesion.

Among other things, the multi-agency advisory group will look at barriers to reporting hate crime.

Angela Constance said: “These actions will drive practical measures in the months and years ahead that demonstrate Scotland’s leadership in the fight against hate crime.

“We are making abundantly clear that there is no place here for intolerance, discrimination or violence.

“We must continue to tackle the underlying causes and conditions that allow hatred and intolerance to flourish.

“It is vital in these challenging times that we remain united, which is why we are redoubling our efforts to promote fairness, equality and a respect right across our society.”

An update on progress with the independent advisory group’s recommendations will be made in 2020.

An independent review of hate crime legislation, including measures to tackle online hate and abuse, which will report in 2018, is currently being carried out by Lord Bracadale.