Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington Tom Brake, attended the launch of Learning Disability Week in Westminster on 18 June. The week, hosted by learning disabilities charity Mencap, was devoted to fighting hate crimes committed against people with learning disabilities.

Attendees at the reception heard about the problem of the under-reporting of disability-related hate crimes. Often, victims of these crimes keep silent about their trauma or find it difficult to navigate the bureaucracy involved with reporting crimes.

The week continued with events around the country until 24 June.

Tom Brake commented,

“We must make it our job to guarantee that people with learning disabilities are able to report hate crimes without getting lost in red tape. I support Mencap’s mission to fight for equality for people with learning disabilities, and I was glad to be a part of Learning Disability Week.”

Tom Brake visited Sutton Mencap a fortnight ago for a Q+A with people with learning disabilities. During the Q+A, crime was frequently raised.

Tom Brake with Ciara Lawrence of Mencap