Curbing hate crimes is essential and puts any country a long shot ahead in growth and prosperity. The Tell MAMA 2024 “Manifesto Against Hate” underscores the urgent need for the incoming government to prioritise the fight against hate crimes, especially anti-Muslim hate. This focus is not just a moral imperative but a socio-economic necessity for Britain. Addressing hate crimes will foster unity and, consequently, prosperity, positioning the country for significant socio-economic growth.

The Urgency of a United Front

The Manifesto highlights the disturbing rise in anti-Muslim hate, particularly following significant geopolitical events. For instance, the Israel-Hamas war since 7th October 2023, and the subsequent war on Gaza led to record figures of anti-Muslim hate cases. This surge in hate crimes reflects a broader issue of social division and the breakdown of interfaith relationships, particularly between Muslim and Jewish communities.

To address this, the Manifesto suggests that the government take urgent steps to mend these fractures. Establishing local, regional, and national boards where leaders from both communities can come together is essential. These boards should be supported with resources to plan joint activities promoting social cohesion. This initiative will not only address immediate concerns but also prevent future divisions that fuel hate crimes.

Social Cohesion: A Cornerstone for Growth

Social cohesion is intrinsically linked to economic growth. A society fragmented by hate and distrust cannot harness the full potential of its human capital. The Manifesto argues that for Britain to achieve significant socio-economic growth, it must ensure that all its citizens feel safe and valued. This includes proactive engagement by ministers with local communities to understand their concerns and ensure that their voices are heard.

The proposed development of a coherent cohesion strategy, which includes tackling hate crimes, is pivotal. This strategy should involve comprehensive reviews of local threats and disturbances, engaging local authorities, faith communities, civil society groups, and experts in hate crime and extremism. Such an inclusive approach ensures that social cohesion work is not just reactionary but preventive and strategic.

The Role of Social Media

A significant portion of hate crimes today is perpetuated online. The Manifesto calls for social media companies to be held accountable for the role their platforms play in spreading hate. It suggests the establishment of a joint fund by these companies to support civil society groups tackling hate. This measure would ensure that communities feel safer online and that there are resources to combat hate effectively.

Legislative and Ministerial Commitment

The incoming government must also ensure that hate crime work is depoliticised and treated with the seriousness it deserves. The Manifesto recommends the appointment of a ‘Hate Crime’ Tsar to provide independent oversight and ensure continuous engagement with grassroots organisations. This role would be crucial in maintaining the momentum in hate crime reduction efforts and ensuring that the voices of victims are central to policy-making.

Fairness and British Values

The Manifesto also emphasises the need for a strong values statement that goes beyond generic principles like democracy and tolerance. It suggests that fairness should be a central value in British society. This value resonates with many and can serve as a unifying principle that counters hate and intolerance.

For any country to achieve 10 slices of cake in socio-economic growth, it must curb hate crimes. This analogy underscores the importance of addressing hate crimes as a prerequisite for achieving broader socio-economic goals. The Tell MAMA 2024 “Manifesto Against Hate” presents a compelling case for the incoming government to make tackling hate crimes a top priority. By fostering unity and social cohesion, Britain can create a more prosperous and harmonious society. This is not just about addressing the symptoms of hate but about building a foundation for sustained growth and prosperity for all its citizens.