Concern over falling numbers of hate crime prosecutions

Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush has expressed concern over the falling number of prosecutions for hate crime in the UK last year.

He said: “We are concerned to see a falling number of prosecutions for hate crime when all the evidence points to a rise in antisemitic and other hate crimes. The Crown Prosecution Service says that there are less referrals from the police, and this needs to be investigated. If it is a question of police attitudes or resourcing, this needs to be urgently addressed. History shows us that where low-level abusive and discriminatory behaviours goes unchecked, much worse can follow. The Government, CPS, police and community groups must look at this to ensure that there is no place for hate in our country.”