Chou Turvey responds to hate crime charges at record high

Responding to the news that the number of hate crime charges in Scotland has reached a record high, with at least one element of hate crime recorded in 7,115 charges in 2025-26, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Yi-pei Chou Turvey MSP said:

“Growing numbers of people feel vulnerable and targeted simply for being who they are.

“Recent spates of violent attacks have appeared to vindicate those fears, with too many people in public and political life using inflammatory rhetoric that only serves to make things worse.

“Whether it is race, sexual orientation, gender or disability, everyone has a right to live as who they are, free from abuse or intimidation.

“There needs to be a dedicated focus on preventing this crime, much of which comes down to education and working closely with communities. We also need to make sure that the police are properly resourced and able to fully investigate these crimes when they are reported.”