Rotherham MP calls for hate crime guidance for public transport operators

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion has written to the Government calling for national guidance for transport operators when dealing with hate crimes.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Nov 2016, 05:00 BST
Sarah Champion, Labour MP for RotherhamSarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham
Sarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham

The Shadow Minister for Preventing Abuse and Domestic Violence held meetings with community groups, faith leaders and individuals last year, who highlighted the amount of hate crime they had received on public transport.

Ms Champion said after writing to South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, it became apparent that policies on hate crime was varied and firms were ill-equipped to deal with the problem.

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“The severity of the hate crime some people are facing on public transport is overwhelming, yet the policies in dealing with it are all too varied due to the sheer number of operators responsible for delivering transport services,” she added.

“We need centralised guidance on best practice so that all operators respond to hate crime effectively, compassionately and consistently and ensure everyone is able to travel safely, without fear.

“I am urging the Government to take decisive action over this issue.”

The MP made the announcement at a public meeting in Rotherham.

Related topics:Sarah ChampionGovernmentRotherham