On Friday 17th March, Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, met with a Member of the UK Youth Parliament and Blaby District Council’s Youth Council, Simran Sangherra, to discuss the Council’s new hate crime campaign, ‘Don’t Hate, Educate’.
Alberto also met with the Chair of the Leicestershire Hate Crimes Scrutiny Panel, Cllr David Findlay, and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Young People’s Democracy Worker, Helena Crag, to discuss the initiative created to raise awareness of hate crimes and to campaign against racism and religious discrimination.
Alberto said, ‘It was a pleasure to meet Simran and other representatives who have assisted in coordinating this incredibly important initiative. I was very pleased to learn of the very good work Blaby District Council’s Youth Council have been doing to raise awareness of hate crime and to promote diversity and tolerance”.
Chair of the Leicestershire Hate Crimes Scrutiny Panel, Cllr David Findlay added, “Hate Crime is an issue that effects whole communities and people very deeply. It's important that we all work together to tackle hate crime and build respect and understanding between all communities. I am grateful to Alberto Costa for taking a personal interest in this issue and being a true champion in making all communities feel respected and safe."
Member of the UK Youth Parliament, Simran Sangherra said, “I was very happy to meet with my local MP, Alberto, and to hear about his ideas to support our campaign. I’m delighted that Alberto has offered to assist in our efforts to raise awareness and reduce hate crime, and I very much look forward to working with him in the future”.
Alberto concluded, “I would like to commend the work of Blaby District’s Youth Council in taking on this important initiative. Their work has been instrumental in challenging negative attitudes around race and religion and raising the profile of hate crimes in the local area. Sadly, hate crimes are still prevalent in the UK and so I would advise constituents to be wary of such occurrences and to report them accordingly”.
Picture above shows (from L-R) Alberto Costa MP, Member of the Youth Parliament, Simran Sangherra, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Young People’s Democracy Worker, Helena Craig, and Chair of the Leicestershire Hate Crimes Scrutiny Panel, Cllr David Findlay.