Hate crimes increase across England and Wales

Recent Home Office data reveals a rise in hate crimes across England and Wales. Overall police-recorded hate crimes increased by 7 per cent during the period between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. Specifically, religious hate crimes rose by 13 per cent, with anti-Jewish hate crimes increasing by 10 per cent. The Community Security Trust noted that Jewish people continue to experience the highest per capita rate of religious hate crime of any faith group.

In response to these trends, the Welsh Government is urging witnesses to report incidents and support victims during Hate Crime Awareness Week. The government highlights the Wales Hate Support Centre, funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Victim Support, which provides confidential assistance to those affected by hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity.

On an international level, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband met with the J7 Global Task Force to address the rise in global antisemitism. The task force, which includes representatives from the UK, US, Canada, Germany, France, Argentina, and Australia, has proposed a new international intergovernmental ministerial task force to combat the issue.