Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Panel urges enhanced reporting as concerns raised over Hindu hate crimes

The panel agreed on the importance of enhanced reporting mechanisms, interfaith cooperation, and policy-level interventions to curb hate crimes.

Panel urges enhanced reporting as concerns raised over Hindu hate crimes

Krupesh Hirani , Kaya Comer-Schwartz and Varinder Hayre with other panel discussion participants

THE London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow, Krupesh Hirani, led a panel discussion on hate crimes against Hindus at City Hall on Monday (17).

Kaya Comer-Schwartz, the deputy mayor of London for policing and crime; Metropolitan Police superintendent Owen Renowden; Varinder Hayre OBE from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and the Community Security Trust’s (CST) Colin Tourick took part in the meeting, which was attended by community representatives. They raised concerns over the term Hinduphobia, saying it misrepresented the nature of discrimination faced by Hindus.


One audience member said, “This isn’t a phobia, it’s a hate crime against the Hindu community. Why should anyone be ‘phobic’ of us? We should recognise it as inter-community hatred and report it as such.”

The panel agreed on the importance of enhanced reporting mechanisms, interfaith cooperation, and policy-level interventions to curb hate crimes.

Hirani AM highlighted community-targeted hate crimes, saying under-reporting was an issue. He stressed the importance of accurate data collection to ensure effective intervention.

Comer-Schwartz reaffirmed London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s zero-tolerance stance on hate crime, and noted the rise in faithbased attacks in recent years. She urged communities to report incidents, stating, “One attack on any of us is one too many.”

Hayre outlined the CPS’s role in prosecuting hate crimes and raising awareness. She shared her own experiences of handling sensitive cases and stressed the need for education across communities to foster greater interfaith understanding.

Renowden detailed the Met’s approach to combating hate crime, linking it closely to neighbourhood policing. He called for stronger community engagement and encouraged victims to come forward.

Tourick provided insights into how the Jewish community was tackling hate crime, and suggested strategies that could be adapted to protect other faith groups, including Hindus.

More For You

King Charles III’s aide Muna Shamsuddin’s journey from Kerala to Buckingham Palace

Muna's story is a testament to how talent and perseverance can transcend borders

Instagram/ muna.shamsuddin - Getty Images

King Charles III’s aide Muna Shamsuddin’s journey from Kerala to Buckingham Palace

In the intricate tapestry of the British monarchy's operations, certain individuals stand out for their unique contributions and backgrounds. One such figure is Muna Shamsuddin, a woman whose journey from the serene landscapes of Kerala’s Kasaragod to the bustling corridors of Buckingham Palace epitomises dedication, cultural fusion, and exceptional service. Her role as Assistant Private Secretary to King Charles III showcases her remarkable diplomatic career and her ability to bridge cultural divides at the highest level of governance.

Roots in Kerala

Muna Shamsuddin’s story begins in Kasaragod, a picturesque district in Kerala, India. Born to the late Dr Puthyapurayil Shamsuddin, a distinguished lawyer, and Shahnaz alias Sayedunnisa, Muna was raised in an environment that placed a strong emphasis on education and cultural heritage. Her father’s career as a legal expert took the family to several countries, including the USA, UK, and Saudi Arabia, before they eventually settled in Birmingham, UK. This international exposure not only broadened Muna's worldview but also cultivated a sense of adaptability and ambition that would later define her career. Her early experiences, combined with a multicultural upbringing, laid a solid foundation for her to navigate the complex world of international diplomacy.

Keep ReadingShow less
LEAD Comment Gareth Thomas byline pic
Gareth Thomas

Gareth Thomas MP to host conference on reviving Gujarati education in UK

GARETH THOMAS MP will host a one-day conference in central London on Saturday (22) to address the decline in Gujarati language education in the UK.

The event will bring together education experts, the examination board Pearson UK, Gujarati teachers, and other practitioners to collaborate on strategies to promote and strengthen the teaching of Gujarati, a statement said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gareth Southgate

Southgate, who led England to remarkable success during his time as manager

Getty Images

Gareth Southgate: 'Boys need role models, not porn, gambling and games'

Gareth Southgate, the former England football manager, has voiced his concerns about the growing influence of toxic online culture on young men. In a thought-provoking speech during the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, Southgate urged society to address the risks posed by excessive gaming, gambling, and exposure to pornography, which he believes are distracting young men from making positive life choices. According to Southgate, these activities are often coupled with guidance from online influencers who are leading them down harmful paths.

Southgate, who led England to remarkable success during his time as manager, shared his personal experiences and insights, aiming to provide a clearer vision for the younger generation. His message was clear, young men need stronger, healthier role models who can guide them to live fulfilling, balanced lives, rather than falling prey to the manipulation of online personalities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harshita Brella

Brella, 24, was found dead in the boot of a car in Ilford, London, in November last year.

Parents of Harshita Brella murder suspect arrested in India

THE PARENTS of Pankaj Lamba, the man suspected of murdering his wife, Harshita Brella, have been arrested in India.

Indian police said Darshan Singh and Sunil Devi face charges under the country's "dowry death" law, which applies when a woman dies due to burns or bodily injury within seven years of marriage, and it is shown that she was subjected to cruelty or harassment related to dowry demands, the BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Thames Water sewage discharges up by 50% in 2024 amid debt crisis

Thames Water's ageing infrastructure is at the heart of the surge in raw sewage discharges

Getty Images

Thames Water sewage discharges up by 50% in 2024 amid debt crisis

Thames Water, the UK’s largest privatised water company, saw a 50% increase in raw sewage discharges into rivers across England in 2024, according to newly released data. The company, which is currently facing significant financial difficulties with a debt of £19bn, released raw sewage into rivers for nearly 300,000 hours over the past year, a substantial rise from the 196,414 hours recorded in 2023.

The alarming data was obtained through an environmental information request by Peter Hammond, a retired professor of computational biology from University College London, and shared with The Guardian. The figures highlight the growing environmental and infrastructural challenges facing Thames Water, which is teetering on the brink of collapse despite a recent £3bn bailout approved by the court of appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less