Southwark Lib Dems call for Urgent Action after Homophobic Attacks

Southwark Liberal Democrats have raised concerns with Police and Council Bosses in response to the shocking homophobic attacks that occurred nearby in August.

On Monday, Cllr Chamberlain pressed these concerns with the Borough 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 South London 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 the Council’s 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 to the Cabinet Member for Community Safety, 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 LGBTQ+ community in South London and across the country. I raised my concerns with the Met’s Borough Commander this week. The Met needs to do better at ensuring the safety of our large and diverse LGBTQ+ communities. The Council’s record on this issue is also 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 Lambeth Liberal Democrats in calling for urgent action from our respective Councils to reassure our LGBTQ+ communities who deserve so much better.”