Since the UK referendum, racist and xenophobic incidents have seen a dramatic rise.There were 289 incidents on 25 June alone – the day after the result was announced.

The Labour Party totally and unequivocally condemns these attacks.

For those who cannot understand (and I hope all other political parties will repeat this) the Brexit statement, “We want to take our Country back”, means the UK leaves the EU political group and we take control of our own law making. It does not mean anyone can be abused because they do not look or sound the same.

Since Thursday some of the things we have read and seen in the news and have been posted on Social Media are truly frightening. This country is an inclusive home and in this country we live and let live and anyone or any group who think that they are superior to others should be hit with the full force of the law.

We as the Labour Party are united with those who live and want to live peacefully with us in our communities and stand against the hatred and racism of others in our community.

We move forward together, leave the dark days of history behind us.

Further information:

Hate crimes surge by 42% in England and Wales since Brexit result