AFTER the European Union referendum there was a sharp rise in the number of hate crimes.

This is a massive shame as election results should help initiate change not increase hate crime. It was reported that hate crime rose by 57 per cent in the four days after the referendum.

Within 24 hours of the referendum certain individuals took to the streets verbally abusing anyone they assumed was an immigrant. In one instance, a family living in central Grays was confronted by a person shouting “You have to leave now”.

Discrimination is defined as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, most commonly on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

As young people we should be proactive in reducing, even eradicating discrimination. People will always be different, different beliefs, different bank accounts, even different body shapes.

We need to learn not just to tolerate one another - that’s just putting up with people. We need to learn to understand one another - that’s accepting people as they are.

Thurrock and the nation must do everything possible to ensure discrimination doesn’t thrive in our communities.

The most important step will involve raising awareness of discrimination and stimulating constructive, yet courageous conversations around the subject. Let’s talk about it.

Thurrock Youth Cabinet intends to kindle the conversation by putting posters up in schools, arranging an anti-discrimination Youth Conference and working with schools and colleges.

I will be speaking with the Thurrock Youth Cabinet on March 1. I am certain the conversation will be one you won’t want to miss.

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