Hackney Council’s Anti-Hate Strategy Led by Mayor Caroline Woodley

Key Points

• Hackney Council, led by Mayor Caroline Woodley and Chief Executive Dawn Carter-McDonald, firmly condemns hate and intolerance within the borough.
• The council highlights the borough’s pride in its diversity, inclusivity, and anti-racist values.
• Recent events such as the London ‘free speech rally’ and rising immigration hostility contradict Hackney’s community spirit.
• Hackney’s “No Place for Hate” strategy for 2023-2026 focuses on increasing hate crime reporting, offering strong victim support, preventing hate, and holding perpetrators accountable.
• The strategy includes establishing Hate Crime Champions, a Hate Crime Forum, and partnerships with local and national organisations to support victims.
• Hackney’s approach is proactive, integrating community engagement, enforcement, education, and collaboration with the police.
• The council is committed to becoming a Borough of Sanctuary, welcoming refugees and migrants while rejecting hate.
• Specific focus is on combating antisemitism and Islamophobia amid recent tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• Hackney celebrates its multicultural population through festivals and promotes cohesion and representation for all communities.

What is Hackney Council’s official response to hate in the borough?

Hackney Council’s official statement, jointly issued by Mayor Caroline Woodley and Chief Executive Dawn Carter-McDonald, reaffirms the borough’s position as a proudly diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist community. They denounce the London ‘free speech rally’ and escalating hostility around immigration, stating these events directly contradict Hackney’s values. The statement underscores Hackney’s commitment to standing against any form of hatred, violence, or anti-migrant campaigns, asserting firmly that such sentiments have no place in the borough. They affirm that Hackney‘s strength lies in its diversity, where everyone must feel represented, included, and respected.

How does Hackney Council tackle hate crime?

Hackney’s “No Place for Hate” Hate Crime Strategy 2023-2026 sets out a comprehensive framework for action across the borough. The strategy focuses on four key objectives:

1. Increasing reporting of hate crime and incidents by simplifying reporting procedures.
2. Protecting people from harm through an integrated, high-quality response and ongoing support to survivors.
3. Building community trust and confidence through improved victim support and engagement.
4. Preventing hate crime by tackling the beliefs and attitudes that cause it.

The strategy outlines practical measures including:

• Establishing Hate Crime Champions borough-wide to offer advice and support to victims and witnesses.
• Creating safe spaces for victims and witnesses to seek help.
• Introducing a Hate Crime Forum with community representation to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
• Collaborating with partner agencies such as MIND, Age Concern, Stop Hate UK, and CATCH for specialist victim support.
• Organising community cohesion activities and educational workshops, focusing particularly on young people.
• Working with local businesses to develop a network of designated safe places.
• Using community-led Safer Neighbourhood Boards, CCTV, and enforcement officers in partnership with the police to gather intelligence and tackle perpetrators.

What recent steps does Hackney take against antisemitism and Islamophobia?

In response to increased antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents, especially related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, Hackney has heightened enforcement and community safety efforts. The council increased patrols and rapid responses around reports of hate crimes targeting Muslim and Jewish residents. Community safety stalls and outreach efforts have been intensified to reassure residents and foster dialogue. The council officially supports the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia, committing to combating these forms of hate robustly.

Why is diversity and inclusion so important to Hackney?

Hackney is one of London’s most culturally and ethnically diverse boroughs. Its population includes many faiths, nationalities, and identities. The council celebrates this diversity through events like Hackney One Carnival, Black History Month, Hackney Pride 365, and various faith festivals. Inclusion is foundational to Hackney’s community wellbeing; it strengthens social cohesion and resilience. The borough actively listens to residents’ experiences and maintains dialogue with diverse groups to ensure all voices are respected and valued.

How does Hackney Council support victims of hate crime?

Supporting victims is a crucial aspect of Hackney’s hate crime strategy. The council has established multiple accessible channels for reporting hate crimes and offers comprehensive support services. Victims receive sensitive, timely, and coordinated help from the council and partner organisations aimed at recovery and protection from further harm. Regular updates on cases are provided to maintain transparency and trust. The council’s victim-centred approach aims to empower those affected to overcome the impact of hate crimes.

What role do communities and organisations play in Hackney’s anti-hate efforts?

Community involvement is integral to Hackney’s strategy. The council works closely with residents, faith groups, organisations, and volunteers to deliver effective hate crime prevention and support. The Hate Crime Champions programme trains community members to assist victims and witnesses locally. Regular Hate Crime Forum meetings ensure community representatives can hold the council accountable and influence priorities. This partnership model fosters shared responsibility and strengthens communal harmony.

What does being a Borough of Sanctuary mean for Hackney?

Hackney’s commitment to becoming a Borough of Sanctuary reflects its dedication to welcoming refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers. This status means actively safeguarding the rights and dignity of newcomers, opposing any anti-migrant rhetoric, and providing a safe, inclusive environment. It forms part of the council’s broader values of equality, human rights, and community cohesion, reinforcing the message that Hackney is a place of respect and refuge.