Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Damian Green and Stephen Lloyd

Monday 19th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I am extremely grateful to the Minister. He is many things, but not, to my knowledge, a journalist. I am sure that he has concluded his answer.

[Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD)]

11. What steps she is taking to tackle hate crime.

[The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green)]

Last Wednesday, the Minister for Equalities launched “Challenge it, report it, stop it”, the Government’s new action plan for tackling hate crime. It sets out what we will do at the national level to help victims and professionals to challenge the attitudes that drive hate crime; give more victims the confidence to come forward; and make sure that the criminal justice system responds effectively when they do.

[Stephen Lloyd]

I am very concerned by recent reports that indicate that there has been a rise in abuse towards disabled people. Will the Minister confirm what the facts are behind the anecdotes, and what specific actions the Government are taking to address any rise in hate crimes towards disabled people?