In Parliament last week, Theresa Villiers MP, highlighted grave concerns about shocking incidents of hatred and violence recently directed against Hindus in Leicester, and other cities.
Her question to Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, was reported in Hansard as follows:
Theresa Villiers
Can we have an urgent debate on Hinduphobic hate crime? Recent days have seen a number of appalling acts of intimidation and harassment directed against the Hindu community, including a violent mob targeting a temple and tearing down a flag with spiritual significance. It is important that those disgraceful episodes are discussed by Parliament.
Penny Mordaunt
I thank my right hon. Friend for raising that. We have all seen reported in the news the sad sight of the tensions, particularly in Leicester—a city that does not have a history of that nature; it has a reputation for being a harmonious place. She can apply for debates in the normal way. The policing issues are a local matter, but I know that the Home Secretary is being kept informed. All that, of course, has played out against the backdrop of national unity, which makes the events even more sad.
Speaking after this exchange on the floor of the House of Commons, Theresa Villiers said: "These attacks on Hindus and Hindu temples are completely unacceptable. After raising this important matter in Parliament, I was contacted by the Policing Minister Jeremy Quin."
"Minister Quin discussed the security around Navratri and Diwali events. I received assurances that the police would be doing all they could to safeguard these celebrations and that they are also determined to bring to justice the individuals responsible for recent criminal attacks in Leicester and elsewhere."
"I have a long track record of campaigning against racism and hate crime. I will be monitoring the situation carefully and I will do all I can to ensure that the authorities crack down on the people responsible."
The Daily Telegraph have reported the apparent involvement in Islamist hardliners in stirring up hatred against the Hindu community:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/09/24/islamist-preacher-accused-s…
