Southwark Liberal Democrats have written to the Council’s senior leadership in response to the shocking homophobic attacks that occurred nearby in August.
Earlier in the month, Cllr Chamberlain pressed these concerns with the BCU Commander, who agreed that more needs to be done to ensure that the LGBT community in South London and across the city are safe.
At 8.1 percent, Southwark is home to the second highest proportion of LGBTQ+ residents in London, with the London average being 4.2 percent. Two attacks – one at the Two Brewers in Clapham and another at a bus stop in Brixton – have sent shockwaves through the local LGBTQ+ community – with one arrest recently being made in connection to the attack.
Data shows homophobic related hate crime climbing by 50% between 2018 and 2022 in Southwark, which the Liberal Democrats say demands urgent action. A recent Southwark LGBTQ+ study showed 58% of respondents believe that there is no sense of LGBTQ+ community in Southwark, half of respondents don’t feel safe in Southwark.
The Liberal Democrats are severely disappointed that the Council hasn’t reached out sufficiently to LGBTQ+ residents and local groups, including Council Opposition. They say the Council is not taking a strong enough proactive approach which is needed and that they must listen to the lived experience, concerns, and solutions of the community.
In the letter, they also point out recent revelations from the Ombudsman regarding the Council’s failure to address repeated homophobic abuse against a resident.
Commenting Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:
“The recent homophobic attacks have shaken the LGBT community in South London and across the country. The Council’s record on this issue is not good enough, and residents will rightly be wanting to know what plans are in place to ensure that no one faces prejudice or violence because of who they love. I’m pleased to join Cllr Donna Harris in Lambeth in calling for urgent action from our respective Councils to reassure our LGBT communities who deserve so much better.”
