Hackney speaker on hate crimes: ‘Everyone is welcome here’

Hackney’s speaker has delivered a passionate message saying everyone is welcome in the borough after reports of post-Brexit hate crimes.

A video was posted online hours after the EU Referendum result of a road rage driver in Stoke Newington shouting at an Asian driver: “F*****g foreigner, go back to your country”.

The assault, being investigated by police, is one of many of its kind reported in the country since the result, and Cllr Rosemary Sales has moved to reassure worried Hackney people.

She said: “Hackney has a proud tradition of bringing people from all walks of life and backgrounds together.

“Our residents get on which one another, and this is one of the things that makes Hackney such a great place to live. We are stronger because of our diversity, tolerance and respect for each other.

“People from across the world make a valuable contribution to Hackney, from working in vital public services like Homerton Hospital, our schools, and of course the Council, to working on our regeneration estates, helping to build the homes our city desperately needs.

“It’s been a turbulent couple of weeks, and I know many residents will be feeling uncomfortable and worried about reported increases in hate crime across the country.

“So I want to send out a clear message to Hackney residents: no matter where you come from, you are welcome here. This is all our home. You are our friends, our neighbours and our colleagues – and nobody will divide us. Hate crime has no place in our borough, our city or our country.

“Last weekend I joined Hackney staff and residents at the Pride in London march. It was an inspiring day, which sent out a powerful message to those who seek to fracture our communities. In times like this, it is vital that we stand united together and take pride in our borough.”