Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to today’s Home Office figures on hate crime, said:

 "This rise in hate crime is unacceptable, especially after a drop in police referrals has seen a fall in prosecutions.

 "The Tories have made great claims about tackling burning injustices. But they are clearly not tackling the great injustice of being attacked simply because of your religion, your sexuality, the colour of your skin or your disability.

 "Labour will hire 10,000 extra police to ensure there are sufficient officers working in the community who can help tackle crimes like this. The Tories continue to make police cuts and, in their own words, they have created a ‘hostile environment’ for migrants. Amber Rudd needs to urgently come to Parliament and explain what the Government’s response will be to address this serious failing.“