Synagogues, churches and mosques will be given government cash to protect themselves against attacks by racists, under plans to be published this week.
Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, will launch a new “hate crime” action plan, including a drive to punish offenders more harshly by ordering prosecutors to press for tougher sentences in court.
A £2.4 million fund will be set up to pay for “protective security measures” at places of worship, the Home Office said.
The Home Office strategy will include details on work to prevent hate crime on buses and trains, as well as efforts to prevent anti-Semitism and attacks on Muslim women.
The plan comes after a sharp rise in so-called “hate crime” incidents such as barging, spitting and assaults directed at racial and religious minorities around the time of the European Union referendum a month ago.
There were reports of racist graffiti daubed on a Polish community centre in west London and laminated cards with the message “Leave the EU – no more Polish vermin” being delivered to members of the migrant community in Huntingdon.
Ms Rudd said such acts of hatred directed at any “community, race or religion” have “no place whatsoever in our diverse society” and must be “kicked to the kerb”. “Where crimes are committed we must make sure victims have the confidence to report incidents and the law is rigorously enforced,” she said.
“At a time of increased concerns about a climate of hostility towards people who have come to live in our country, let me be absolutely clear that it is completely unacceptable for people to suffer abuse or attacks because of their nationality, ethnic background or colour of their skin. We will not stand for it.”
The new action plan will set out “robust and comprehensive steps” to eradicate hate crime, Ms Rudd said.
