London Mayor funnels more money into tackling hate crime and intolerance

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has announced he will spend a further £875,000 tackling hate crime in London, building on his existing £16-million fund to combat intolerance in the city.

This £875,000 in additional funding will be directed towards 20 grassroots projects that aim to combat hate crime, intolerance, and extremism in all its forms, the mayor said.

It will be used to help around 50,000 Londoners to recognise and critically assess extremist and intolerant messages and challenge these narratives.

Organisations receiving this additional funding include the West Ham United Foundation, which will deliver anti-racism training to young Londoners aged 11-16; the Anne Frank Trust UK, which will raise awareness of antisemitism and Islamophobia; and Tech Against Terrorism, which will help students to recognise harmful and radicalising online content.

The mayor cited the recent spike in anti-migrant hotel protests and the high number of young people arrest for terror-related offences as background for this funding decision, as well as a pattern of hateful activity and misinformation which he said is becoming increasingly common and unchecked on social media.

This funding aims to help communities tackle hate of all kinds, from Islamophobia and antisemitism to Islamic and Far-Right extremism. It will also be used to teach young people to identify and assess conspiracy theories and misinformation.

“Hate crime, extremism and intolerance has no place in London. That’s why I’m continuing to fund grassroot community groups which will benefit Londoners – giving them the skills they need to fight extremism and stand up to hate,” Khan said.

“We are living in increasingly divisive and uncertain times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities. That’s why I’m committed to working in close partnership with communities and the police to ensure everyone in the capital feels, and is, safe and welcome.”

“I will always champion London’s diversity as our greatest strength and work to shape a city where people understand and respect one another, building a better and safer London for everyone,” he said.

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