Public figures come together to say ‘everyone is welcome in North Yorkshire’

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner of North Yorkshire, and Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, have today come together to put forward a positive message for residents and visitors to Yorkshire.  They are appealing to residents and business to ensure people continue to be welcomed and embraced which has been a hallmark of Yorkshire communities for a long time.

There have been national reports of an increase in Hate Crime across the country following the referendum.  The message from Gary and Julia is that everyone is welcome in North Yorkshire, no matter the background, race, gender, ability, sexuality, and especially at this moment in time, nationality.

Alongside North Yorkshire Police and members of the local Independent Advisory Group, Julia and Gary are also encouraging anyone who has been a victim of Hate Crime to report incidents to either directly to the police, to a third party reporting centre or via the Stop Hate UK helpline.

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said “We are pulling together to remind everyone coming to North Yorkshire that this is one the most welcoming places in the country.  You will be embraced by local people and businesses and we encourage everyone to ensure North Yorkshire’s trademark welcome is out in force.

“There appears to have been an increase in Hate Crime in other parts of the country which is extremely worrying.  Levels in North Yorkshire appear to be more stable but we would encourage anyone who has been a victim of Hate Crime to come forward to the police, or a third party, to ensure such despicable acts are dealt with properly.”

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said, “As I said just after the referendum, now is the time for Yorkshire to ‘keep calm and carry on’, to keep proving to the world and each other that we are a welcoming and tolerant community that embraces diversity in all its forms.

“Yorkshire remains a beacon of tourism with the latest figures showing overnight trips to Yorkshire grew by 20% in 2015, one of largest increases in England. Whether domestic or international visitors, I know the Yorkshire public will help stamp out Hate Crime wherever they see it and continue to showcase Yorkshire as a friendly, attractive and inspiring place to visit.”

Gary and Julia jointly said, “Our message is this – North Yorkshire is an exceptional place to come and visit, Hate Crime is not tolerated in any way, shape or form, and we know residents and businesses will ensure that remains the case.”