Clwyd West MS and Shadow Minister for North Wales, Darren Millar, is calling on the Welsh Government to take further action to address antisemitism in Wales.
Speaking in yesterday’s Business Statement in the Welsh Parliament, Darren referred to this week’s anniversary of the terrible atrocities of 7 October 2023, the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust, and called for an update for Members of the Senedd in relation to the action being taken by the Welsh Government to address antisemitism in Wales
He said:
“Yesterday marked the anniversary of the terrible atrocities of 7 October 2023, when Hamas terrorists attacked innocent civilians in Israel, and we've seen some horrible events unfold since that date.
“… I think it is important that we understand the further action that the Welsh Government is taking to address antisemitism in Wales. It does exist and it is a problem that we all need to work together to crack down on.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip, replied:
“We're extremely concerned by reports of increases of hate crime targeted towards Jewish and Muslim communities in Wales, and I think the main message I want to give today is that we're encouraging members of these communities to report any hate incidents.
“The Wales Hate Support Centre, which we fund, is run by Victim Support, and we've asked our Wales Hate Support Centre to monitor for any spikes in reporting of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crime, and to ensure that service users are receiving the support they need.”
Speaking after the meeting, Darren added:
“Hate and racism that acts as the breeding ground for the evil that leads to events such as the terrible atrocities of 7 October 2023 needs eradicating and it's for this reason that we've always got to be vigilant and take swift action to tackle racism and hate wherever it rears its ugly head.
“Hate crime whether online or off is a serious offence which can have devastating and long-lasting effects on individuals and communities across Wales, and like the Cabinet Minister I urge people to report it whenever they come across it.”
There are several ways you can report a hate crime, for further information visit Report a Hate Crime – Wales Hate Crime (victimsupport.org.uk)
Watch Darren’s contribution in the Welsh Parliament below:
