Home Secretary defends ending police recording of non-crime hate amid focus on antisemitism

The Home Secretary has defended the decision to stop requiring police to record non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs), even when such incidents involve taunts directed at Jews or Muslims.

NCHIs are incidents that, while not reaching the threshold for a criminal offence, are perceived to be motivated by hatred towards characteristics such as race or gender.

Addressing the plans to scrap the requirement, Shabana Mahmood said;“On Non-Crime Hate Incidents, this was a well-intentioned attempt over many years to gather intelligence about people whose troublesome behaviour might lead to violence against ethnic minorities. Essentially, someone might target another person because of hatred—whether for being Jewish, Muslim, or otherwise.

“It started off with good intentions, but over time, police leaders themselves recognise they have been drawn into culture wars and political disagreements.”

Senior police figures, along with the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), have called for an end to the practice, arguing that NCHIs are no longer “fit for purpose.”

Reports indicate Mahmood believes that recording NCHIs has distracted police from tackling everyday crime. She emphasised the need for officers to focus on “catching criminals, cutting crime, making sure people in our neighbourhoods feel safe.”

Speaking to a caller on LBC’s Nick Ferrari show, Mahmood added: “A review is already underway and will conclude soon, because there’s agreement that we need change and can’t continue with the current approach. The key question is what framework should replace it. That’s what will unfold next.”

When asked about efforts to combat antisemitic crime, Mahmood reiterated her firm stance: “There’s no doubt that antisemitism has been rising in our country for some years, with a particular peak following events in the Middle East. I absolutely recognise the pressure the Jewish community feels.

“After the Heaton Park Synagogue terrorist attack, where we lost two Jewish lives—the first such loss in many decades—people told me it was only a matter of time; they were expecting it. I don’t want British Jews, citizens like you and me, to live smaller lives in their own country because of this hatred.

“It’s often described as the oldest hatred, and I have zero tolerance for it. I have already announced changes to public order laws to give police greater powers to impose conditions on repeat protests, and we will ensure those changes are implemented.”