Jeremy Corbyn reads shocking LGBT hate crime figures in front of Theresa May at PMQs
Jeremy Corbyn has confronted parliament with shocking stats on LGBT hate crimes.
The Labour leader used PMQs to read out research by Pride in London that found a shocking number of Londoners have been a victim of hate crime.
In a question to Prime Minister Theresa May, Corbyn highlighted that “half of LGBT people in London had experienced hate crime.”
According to the study, 42% of LGBT Londoners have been a victim of hate crime in the last 12 months.
Jeremy Corbyn said: “May I start by wishing everyone a very happy pride month and especially those taking part in the pride march this Saturday and similar marches around the country.
“But we should also be aware that a survey taken by Pride in London found that half of LGBT people in London had experienced hate crime in the past 12 months.”
Corbyn also wore a pride pin badge, emblazoned with the slogan of Pride in London, “Love Happens Here”.
Theresa May praised the LGBT pride march, which takes place in central London on Saturday, but did not mention the hate crime stats.
“May I join the Rt Honourable Gentleman in wishing everyone who is going to take part in the Pride in London on Saturday,” she told parliament.
“An excellent day. I’m sure it will be a very good occasion as it always has been.”
The figures are double that of the population at large – with 18% of UK adults saying they have been a hate crime victim.
Pride in London is now calling for more people to report their experiences in a bid to help tackle the issue.
Pride in London co-chairs, Alison Camps and Michael Salter-Church, said: “Reported hate crime is the tip of the iceberg.
“As a community, LGBT+ people face all kinds of daily ‘micro-aggressions’.
“From having to explain that as a same-sex couple you do want a double room in a hotel, to being frowned at for holding your partner’s hand in the street.
“For a brief time we’re highlighting this across London to raise awareness of the issue.”
