PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Hate Crime (11 June 2018)

Hate crime is despicable and has no place in British society. The Government has repeatedly taken action to reduce hate crime, increase reporting and improve support for victims including through the 2016 Hate Crime Action Plan.

The Criminal Justice Act 2003 already offers enhanced sentences powers for any offence which is racially or religiously aggravated, or where the offender demonstrated hostility or was motivated by hostility towards the victim because of their sexual orientation or disability or because they were transgender. Such offences merit an increased sentence within the maximum available for the offence.

The Ministry of Justice keeps the current law, and the Law Commission’s recommendations, under review.