§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of crimes committed in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997 were racially motivated; what steps he is taking to reduce these figures; and if he will make a statement. [133189]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyIt is not possible to provide statistics in the precise format requested. However, the table sets out the number of racial incidents reported to, and the total number of crimes recorded by, the police in Northern Ireland since 1997.
This Government condemns all racially motivated crimes and is committed to tackling such intolerance. Later this year I hope to publish a proposal for a draft Order in Council to enable the courts to deal more severely with crimes motivated by racist, sectarian, and homophobic hatred.
This measure will send out a clear message that racism has no place in our society.
127WS
Number of racial incidents reported and total number of crimes recorded in Northern Ireland, 1997–2002/03 Number of racial incidents reported Number of recorded crimes 1997 25 62,222 1998–99 93 109,053 1999–2000 237 119,111 2000–01 260 119,912 2001–02 185 139,786 2002–03 226 142,496 Source:
Police Service of Northern Ireland.