I'm bloody tired of seeing people get hurt because we're not doing enough to prevent it, and that's exactly what's happening with the rise in antisemitic attacks. It's not just a problem for the Jewish community, it's a problem for all of us, because when one group is targeted, we're all at risk. I've seen it on the ward, the fear and the trauma that hate crimes cause, and it's just crap that we're not doing more to stop it.
We need to increase funding for community safety initiatives, that's the bottom line. We need to support organizations that are working to build bridges between different communities, to educate people about the dangers of hate speech and discrimination. We need to make sure that our communities are safe spaces for everyone, regardless of their background or faith. It's not just about throwing money at the problem, though, it's about making a real commitment to change.
So here’s how I’d start. First, proper funding for local community safety groups, not one-off grants that disappear after six months, but long-term support so they can actually plan, hire staff, and make a difference. Second, tougher action on hate crimes, including better reporting systems and more visible neighbourhood policing so people feel protected instead of ignored. Third, education, because prejudice festers where ignorance goes unchallenged. Schools, youth clubs, faith groups, all of them should be supported to bring people together instead of letting division grow.
And let’s be honest, this isn’t about political point scoring. It’s about whether we want to live in a country where people are frightened to walk down the street because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from. I don’t accept that. Most people don’t accept that.
Community safety is not some luxury item you talk about when times are good. It’s the foundation of a decent society. If people don’t feel safe, nothing else works properly. So yes, we need investment. Yes, we need leadership. And yes, we need the courage to call hatred out wherever it appears, without excuses and without hesitation.
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Discussion (10)
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Mock the policy. Not the person. Community principles →
This isn't just about throwing money at the problem, it's about making a targeted investment in the things that work, like education and community outreach. I think @FionaFromFife makes a good point about exploring reallocation from underperforming programmes, and I'd like to see some concrete examples of how that could work in practice.
A better approach might be to introduce more competition and outsourcing to community safety initiatives, allowing private sector organisations to bid for contracts and bring in fresh ideas and expertise. This could lead to more effective use of resources and better outcomes, as we've seen in other areas of public service provision.
This kind of short-sightedness is what gets us nowhere, and it's not just about the money, it's about investing in the things that actually work, like community-led initiatives that bring people together. We should be looking at what's already working in our communities and giving them the support they need, rather than just slashing and burning programmes to balance the books.
We need to make sure any reallocation doesn't end up cutting something else vital, like Sure Start centres or after-school clubs. Those services are often the first line of defence against young people getting drawn into extremist views.
Pouring money into a garden without understanding the soil won't work either. We need to be discerning about where the funds go, ensuring they address the actual issues and aren't just redirected from other vital services, like preventative youth work.