RAILWAY staff from across the North West are standing together today (June 28) to reinforce the message that everyone has the right to travel safely whatever their race, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other perceived difference.
Officers will be at key stations across the region talking to passengers, rail staff and members of the public about the #WeStandTogether campaign, an initiative designed to stamp out hate crime and hate incidents on public transport.
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They will also be talking about how hate crime can be tackled and support victims, and will be providing practical advice on what you should do if you are a victim or witness hate crime.
The #WeStandTogether campaign also aims to reassure passengers and rail staff using and working on the country’s transport system that it is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Inspector Granville Sellers, from BTP, said: “Everyone has the right to travel safely and not to be targeted, simply because of who they are or because of who you or your friends and family are, or who people think they are.
“Any victimisation or intolerance that is driven by hatred will have a significant and often much greater emotional and psychological impact on those involved, but offences that are motivated by hate and prejudice also have the wider potential to divide communities. Particularly after the recent horrific events in Manchester and London, now more than ever, we need to stand together to address hatred and extremism.
“There is never any excuse and we take our responsibility to investigate this type of crime, and provide full support to victims of hate crime extremely seriously.
“If you are a victim of hate crime, or if you witness an incident that makes you feel uncomfortable, please do not suffer in silence – report it to us and we will do everything we can to help.”
You can call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or you can contact us discreetly by texting to 61016. In an emergency call 999.
Visit report-it.org.uk to make a report, which can be anonymous.
For an anti-Muslim incident tell MAMA on 0800 456 1226, WhatsApp 0734 1846086 or at tellmamauk.org
For Antisemitic incidents call CST on 0208 457 9999 or report at cst/org.uk
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