Civic, faith and community leaders unite to support councils’ pledge against hate crime

Representatives from Guildford Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council and Surrey Police met on Tuesday with members of the local Jewish community, and faith leaders from across the religious spectrum, to hear their experiences and share reflections following recent acts of antisemitic hate crime across the country.

Having signed the Guildford Declaration of Freedom of Religion and Belief in January 2025, both councils reaffirmed their commitment to create safe, inclusive communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their faith or belief.

Pledging community solidarity, the two Councils committed to openly celebrate their diversity, to work with communities, and to stand together, rejecting all forms of hate crime and hate incidents, including those motivated by race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of Guildford Borough Council said:

“Following the appalling incidents of hate crime that have happened recently, I believe it’s important that we stand together as a community in solidarity and hope.

“As leaders it’s vital that we find our voices to speak out against hate attacks and support those in our communities that are feeling afraid and unsafe.

“Diversity and difference enriches our community. Hatred and violence will not divide us. Our shared values of compassion, tolerance and respect are stronger than those who seek to undermine them.”

Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council said:

“Our councils remain steadfast in our commitment to mutual respect, inclusion and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

“At times like this, with antisemitism and islamophobia on the rise, it is vital that communities come together in solidarity. We stand firmly alongside communities of all faiths and none, and we reaffirm our commitment to working with partners, residents and community organisations to promote understanding, cohesion and safety.”

Rabbi Alex Goldberg, the Rabbi of Guildford, reflected on the past few weeks, saying:

“These have been painful and unsettling days for many in our communities. We cannot live under intimidation, nor allow hatred and fear to divide us.

“But we must also not lose hope. The overwhelming majority of people want peace and dignity for all. If we stay focused, stand together, and refuse to retreat into silos, with an emphasis of building a shared future then we can overcome this moment together.”

Other faith leaders and representatives shared their thoughts, highlighting the theme of common values, resilience in the face of hatred, and the strength of interfaith relationships.

Surrey Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Mark McEwan said:

“Surrey Police remain firmly committed to the prevention of crime and pursuing those who commit hate crimes across the county. Hate will not be tolerated in Surrey, and our work continues to focus on giving victims the confidence to report such offences and to feel supported throughout the investigative process.

“As an organisation, we are equally dedicated to strengthening and developing our collaborative working relationships with key partners. This is particularly important in the context of the local government restructure, as we work together to build more effective, inclusive, and cohesive working relationships that best serve our communities.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Reporting hate crime to the police: https://www.police.uk/ro/report/hate-crime/information/v1/hate-crime/how-to-report-hate-crime

About the Guildford Declaration of Freedom of Religion and Belief: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/27343/Civic-religious-and-community-leaders-of-Guildford-send-a-powerful-message-of-unity

Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council Hate Crime Pledge

We are committed to creating safe, inclusive communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We will take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of hate crime and hate incidents, including those motivated by race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

To deliver on this commitment, we will:

Take action against perpetrators
Use all available powers, including those under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, to tackle hate crime. We will take robust tenancy enforcement action where incidents involve council properties.
Support victims and respond with empathy
Ensure victims of hate crime are listened to, supported, and treated with compassion. All reports encountered through our services will be taken seriously and escalated appropriately.
Encourage reporting and improve access to support
Proactively encourage the reporting of hate crime to the police and through third-party reporting services, ensuring residents understand how to report safely and access advice and support.
Raise awareness and build knowledge
Increase understanding of hate crime across our workforce and communities through training and communications. Where data identifies emerging trends, we will deliver targeted training (for example, in response to increases in specific forms of hate such as antisemitism).
Work in partnership to deliver a coordinated response
Collaborate with partners to provide an effective multi-agency response to hate crime. The Community Safety Partnership will hold agencies to account for delivering against our shared priority to reduce hate crime.
Monitor and respond to local data
Regularly review hate crime data to identify trends, target resources, and strengthen our response.
Celebrate diversity and promote inclusion
Actively promote and celebrate the diversity of our communities, fostering cohesion and mutual respect across all backgrounds and identities.

Photo supplied: Attendees at Community Faith meeting

Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk

Civic, faith and community leaders unite to support councils’ pledge against hate crime