Racism After Brexit Challenged By #NoPlaceForHate Demonstrations At London Tube Stations

'We're not here to be labelled as victims.'
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"Love and solidarity" protests have been taking place at London Tube stations this morning after a spike in hate crime following the vote to leave the European Union. 

Brixton, King's Cross, Finsbury Park, Lewisham, Waterloo, Old Street and other stations were flanked by people holding flowers and messages of peace, giving out stickers, love hearts and information on how to report hate crime.

The "unity events" took place this morning outside rail and Tube stations in the capital in support of the people affected by a 57% rise in hate crime since the Brexit vote.

Their message of 'No place for hate' trended on Twitter as people shared pictures of the demonstrators.

 The events are organised by community group London Citizens, who say many of their own members have experienced abuse.

Esmat Jeraj, a member of South London Citizens who was racially abused last week, said: "This demonstration of love and solidarity is organised by communities coming together to show that all are welcome and that there is no place for hate of any form in London.

"We're not here to be labelled as victims. We're equal stakeholders of this rich and multicultural city, and are very concerned with the rise of bigotry and intolerance. Through this event we will take back control of our city and show the values that we all stand for; those of respect and equality."

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I will operate a zero tolerance approach to any attempt to hurt and divide our communities, and I have asked the Met Police to be extra vigilant in tackling this deeply worrying rise in hate crime.

"London doesn't just tolerate difference, it celebrates it, so it's great to see London Citizens' members rallying together to show that there is no place for division in our communities.

"I urge anyone affected by abusive behaviour to report it to the police immediately, and for Londoners to pull together and rally behind this great city now more than ever."