Sir Sadiq Khan has announced he will invest an extra \u00a3875,000 into a programme aimed at tackling hate crime and extremism in the capital, amid warnings that radicalisation is on the rise.<\/p>\n
The funding comes as the mayor says he remains concerned about the \u201cdevastating consequences\u201d of \u201cfalse information\u201d being spread on social media, particularly in the wake of the riots which took place following the murder of three young girls in Southport last year.<\/p>\n
The investment will go towards the mayor\u2019s Shared Endeavour Fund, which \u201cworks to empower Londoners to challenge hateful views in their communities, better protect those vulnerable to radicalisation and stop the spread of growing hateful ideologies including the far-right\u201d, according to City Hall.<\/p>\n
The programme has also provided educational sessions which have sought to address tensions caused by the war in Israel and Gaza, as the mayor said the \u201cheart-breaking loss of innocent lives, humanitarian and hostage crisis\u201d is \u201cbeing used by some bad actors to promote antisemitism and Islamophobia\u201d.<\/p>\n
Although reported hate crime incidents are falling across the capital, they still remain at a relatively high level, as more than 21,200 were recorded in the past 12 months.<\/p>\n
The latest cash injection will support approximately 20 projects to run educational activities for around 50,000 Londoners. Previous beneficiaries of the funding have included Anne Frank Trust UK and Protection Approaches, a charity working to tackle all forms of identity-based violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Southport disorder and chilling hate crime attacks that followed shocked our nation and showed how false information on social media spread like wildfire with devastating consequences,\u201d said Sir Sadiq.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere in London we stand united against all forms of hate. Our diversity is our greatest strength and those who intend to divide us will never win.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new funding is part of my record \u00a315.9m investment \u2013 more than any other mayor \u2013 to tackle hate crime in all its forms and will strengthen Londoners\u2019 resilience to extremism, help stop the spread of hateful narratives, and safeguard vulnerable young Londoners from radicalisation and misinformation online.\u201d<\/p>\n