Kim McGuinness: A calm, considered voice is a powerful weapon against hate crime

We see this both in our streets and on the internet, and on both of them we know to be guarded for when honest debate becomes harassment and aggression.

Since my last column, people in Sunderland and across the rest of our region took part in the national hate crime awareness week, a chance for us to stand up and say those who want to bring hate and violence to our neighbourhoods have no place here.

It’s no secret that over recent years the far right, loud and vocal and in your face, have tried to make inroads in the North, especially in our cities. But where they have tried, they have failed.

They think they can turn up, march and make some noise, and it will make people look at their neighbours differently. That’s rubbish, and we’ve proved them wrong time and time again.

Over the last year families in Sunderland have been targeted by the sound of the far right, just like they have in Newcastle and Durham and elsewhere.

Last month a group of hate crime specialists produced a pull-no punches report looking at the work of extremists. And what it found was that a calm, considered voice is often a really powerful weapon in standing up to these people.

The report’s experts praised the Sunderland Echo, and rightly so, for being a trusted source of accurate news at a time when rumours and guesswork are rampant.

If you’re reading this you don’t need me to tell you the importance of a good local newspaper, holding people such as me to account and standing up for our city when outsiders think they can spread hate.

This last month’s focus on hate crime has shown that too many people face abuse for who they are. But it has also shown us that many, many people are prepared to stand up to hate crime and reject those who spread it.

I’ll continue to do my bit to support Hate Crime Awareness, but if you have anything you want to raise with me about these efforts please do get in touch with my office.