New Delhi: After a spate of hate crimes against the Hindu community were reported in the UK, the Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer referred to the term "Hinduphobia" for the first time and said he was determined to put an end to “divisive politics” and extremist elements exploiting social media to spread hatred within communities.
Starmer, who was addressing one of Europe's largest Navratri celebrations on Wednesday said the party is committed to fighting against hate crimes of all kinds following communal clashes in Leicester and Birmingham in the wake of an India-Pakistan cricket match, reported news agency PTI.
Some diaspora organisations in the UK denounced the disorder in Leicester saying the hate crimes targeted at Hindus intensified by social media disinformation reflected Hinduphobia.
Addressing British Indians during the celebrations, the Labour Party leader said, "Hinduphobia has absolutely no place in our society anywhere and we must all fight this together."
"I know that many people are targeted based on their religion and there's been a rise in hate crimes in recent years. I'm so tired of our divisive politics. I'm saddened by the division we have seen on the streets of Leicester and Birmingham in recent weeks; violence and hatred spread by extremists exploiting social media. We must all together stand firm against all attempts to spread hate," he added, according to the PTI report.
The leader also said the party will not tolerate the far right attempting to exploit grievances. “We have more that unites us than divides us. Our religion, places and symbols of worship must and will be respected. A Labour government will bring people back together and end this divisive politics," he added.
The Opposition leader, who seems to be in contrast to his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn's stance towards India and its diaspora perceived as less India-friendly, noted he was part of the Dussehra celebrations for the first time in London.
Starmer mentioned about deeper significance of Navratri as embodied in Goddess Durga's resilience and strength, which signifies the importance of the female divine and women's empowerment.