COUNCILLORS from across the three main parties in South Gloucestershire have come together to condemn a national increase of hate crimes.

Overwhelming support for action against hate crimes and for their victims were given by South Gloucestershire Council members at the most recent full council meeting.

The reported rise follows the recent EU Referendum, and the decision to leave the European Union.

In a joint statement, Cllr Matthew Riddle, leader of the council and the Conservative group, Cllr Ruth Davis, leader of the Liberal Democrat group and Cllr Pat Rooney, leader of the Labour group, said: “We are very concerned to see an increase in hate crimes across the country, following the EU Referendum.

“We want to make it clear that at South Gloucestershire Council we value all our staff and the work they do each day for our residents.

“Hate crimes have no place in South Gloucestershire or anywhere else in our country and are an attack on our values as a local council and as a community.”