Yorkshire European Conservatives and Reformists MEP Timothy Kirkhope today called upon the European Union to carry on campaigning in the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.

Yorkshire European Conservatives and Reformists MEP Timothy Kirkhope today called upon the European Union to carry on campaigning in the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.

The former UK Home Office minister told a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg: “This is something at the heart of the EU’s history, but it is something which must be addressed now and for the future in order to create a more tolerant EU.

“In a time when Europe is facing economic and security challenges, people try to distribute blame, often fed by the media. Politicians should not be afraid to talk about this issue and raise awareness through education, in order to remove the stigma associated with discrimination in all its forms.

“Effective legislation is a useful tool in the fight against racism and discrimination, but in the long run, placing more emphasis on preventative measures such as enhanced education and integration of religions and communities could be of more help in moving forward in a more tolerant Europe.

“It is not something which should be tackled by individual member states but by the EU as a whole as this will encourage greater cooperation and enhanced understanding overall.”