Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Deferred
Law Commission's hate crime recommendations remain unimplemented, hindering the tackling of intersectional hate crimes.
Conclusion
Implementing the recommendations set out in the Law Commission’s Hate Crime Laws: Final Report could improve the ability of the police and Crown Prosecution Service to tackle hate crime, including intersectional hate crime. Such reforms would also signal support to communities affected by intersectional hate crime and encourage broader initiatives to combat it. It is therefore disappointing that, despite the Law Commission’s report being published in 2021, its recommendations have not yet been adopted. While the current Government made a commitment to review the recommendations in November 2024, a year later there has been no further update. (Conclusion, Paragraph 67)
Government Response Summary
The government is considering the Law Commission's recommendations, has taken some steps, and commissioned an independent review due to report by spring 2026, at which point the Home Secretary will consider the findings.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
37. The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that hate crime legislation is effective, proportionate and consistent, and it is a key area of focus for the Home Office. We are considering the 34 recommendations made by the Law Commission. 38. We have already taken steps on implementation where appropriate. For example, an amendment has been tabled to the Crime and Policing Bill to extend aggravated offences, so they cover all existing protected characteristics including sex in hate crime laws. 39. To complement this, in October 2025, the Home Secretary commissioned an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, led by Lord Ken Macdonald of River Glaven KC. The review will consider whether the current framework is effective and proportionate and is due to report to the Home Secretary by spring 2026. 40. The Home Secretary will consider Lord Macdonald’s findings, including whether legislative change is recommended or further practical steps can be taken to ensure the existing framework is being used to maximum effect.