MP welcomes new law on hate crimes targeting LGBT+ and disabled people

WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols, who backed a campaign for a new law to equalise hate crime laws for LGBT+ and disabled people has expressed delight that it will now become law after being passed by fellow MPs.

She has also welcomed the government’s move to introduce a new crime of hate motivated by misogyny for the first time.

Last year, Ms Nichols signed an amendment tabled by Rachel Taylor MP to the Crime and Policing Bill that would introduce tougher sentences for hate crimes committed against LGBT+ and disabled people. Ms Taylor said it was long overdue that such crimes were treated with the same level of seriousness in law as hate crimes committed on the grounds of race and religion.
Her campaign was backed by 104 cross-party MPs, including Ms Nichols, who added their name to the amendment ahead of a debate on the Crime and Policing Bill.
During that debate, Ms Taylor said: “We must have hate crime laws that show that whether it is your race or your religion, your sexual orientation, your gender identity, or indeed your disability, Britain is a country that will not tolerate it. That all hatred is equal. And that all those who commit vile acts of hatred will face the same grave consequences.”
The new law – introduced via a government amendment – will make serious crimes motivated by prejudice against anyone because of their disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity “aggravated” offences – as is currently the case for hate crimes motivated by race or religion. Aggravated offences are more serious offences that carry tougher sentences for perpetrators.

Welcoming the new law, Ms. Nichols said: “I was proud to back this campaign by Rachel Taylor MP to strengthen hate crime law and demonstrate that the perpetrators of this vile abuse should have nowhere to hide.
“Nobody in Warrington North should face hatred or violence because of who they are. This new law is an important step forward for ensuring that everyone in our community can be free to be who they are without having to fear violence or abuse.
“I will always stand up for the victims of these awful crimes.”
Ms. Taylor MP, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, said:“It’s shocking that between March 2023 – 2024, over 40,000 hate crimes against people in Britain because of their sexual orientation, transgender identity, or disability were recorded by the police. Victims deserve to have these crimes treated every bit as seriously in law as hate crimes based on race and religion.
“I am absolutely delighted that the government has listened to me and the cross-party MPs who supported this vital change in the law and that MPs last night voted for that change to become law.”