Londoners are holding "unity events" outside rail and Tube stations in London to express support for victims of post-Brexit racist abuse.
The community-organising alliance of London Citizens are spreading the message "Love London. No place for hate," with members handing out heart-shaped stickers with #NoPlaceForHate printed on them.
Others were filmed giving flowers to commuters and cards detailing how to report hate crime.
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It comes as the National Police Chiefs' Council said that there has been an increase of 57% in reporting of hate crime compared to this time last month.
Esmat Jeraj, a member of South London Citizens who was racially abused earlier this week, said: "This demonstration of love and solidarity is organised 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," she continued. "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.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in response to the 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," he added.
Last week, Londoners were urged to wear a safety pin to show solidarity with immigrants living in the UK. In the aftermath of the EU referendum results, a Facebook group was created to alert people of the wave of racist incidents targeting European migrants across the country.
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Topics Racial Justice
