'Unity events' to be held to show solidarity amid post-EU referendum racism

'London doesn't just tolerate difference, it celebrates it' said the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan

In the week following the Brexit vote, the number of reported hate crimes increased five-fold. (Getty)

A series of "unity events" will be held outside rail and Tube stations in London today to show support for people affected by the increase in racist and xenophobic abuse since the EU referendum result.

London Citizens, the community organising alliance, said the aim was to show solidarity with communities. Many London Citizens members have faced abuse personally. They will spread the message "Love London. No place for Hate".

Since the referendum result a campaign has been set up to document incidents of racism. Post Ref Racism, which is active on Facebook and Twitter, was created because of a perceived “stark increase in racist harassment and aggression” following the narrow 52 to 48 per cent vote for Brexit.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "As a Mayor for all Londoners, I take seriously my responsibility to defend the capital's fantastic diversity. I will operate a zero tolerance approach to any attempt to hurt and divide our communities, and I have asked the Met Police to be extra vigilant in tackling this deeply worrying rise in hate crime.

"London doesn't just tolerate difference, it celebrates it, so it's great to see London Citizens' members rallying together to show that there is no place for division in our communities. I urge anyone affected by abusive behaviour to report it to the police immediately, and for Londoners to pull together and rally behind this great city now more than ever."

Esmat Jeraj, a member of South London Citizens, who was racially abused earlier this week, said: "This demonstration of love and solidarity is organised by communities coming together to show that all are welcome and that there is no place for hate of any form in London.

"We're not here to be labelled as victims. We're equal stakeholders of this rich and multicultural city, and are very concerned with the rise of bigotry and intolerance. Through this event we will take back control of our city and show the values that we all stand for; those of respect and equality."

Canon Dr Angus Ritchie, of London Citizens, said: "London has a strong tradition of welcoming people from all backgrounds which we continue to champion. As London Citizens we are clear that there is no justification for hate crime, and our members wish to show that love will always trump hate."

Press Association