Authorities in the United Kingdom should adopt an LGBTI action plan for England and make sure there is no gap in provision for refugees transferring from the asylum support system to mainstream systems of support, according to Council of Europe experts. These are the two priority recommendations included in the latest report on the UK by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).
The report highlights recent progress in a number of areas, including efforts to create more diverse police forces across the UK, the launch of a detailed and data-rich website to help develop anti-discrimination policies, and the political support given to Jewish organisations since 7 October 2023.
However, ECRI notes that some issues give rise to concern.
Firstly, a comprehensive LGBT action plan was published by the UK government in 2018 but ended the following year. Noting progress on this issue in Scotland and Wales, ECRI recommends that a new national action plan should be developed for England, in close consultation with civil society.
In addition, ECRI highlights a drastic increase in hate speech against Jews following the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 against Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, as well as a marked increase in anti-Muslim hate speech - especially online.
Concerning Northern Ireland, ECRI expresses deep concern about a significant increase in violent attacks against businesses owned by people with a migration background and places of worship for religious minorities. ECRI highlights the possible involvement of paramilitary groups in such attacks, which police have reportedly been reluctant to investigate for fear of upsetting the peace.
Council of Europe experts calls for measures to support LGBTI people and refugees in the UK>
