LEGISLATION ON HATE CRIME

That this House is appalled by the murder of Sophie Lancaster and the vicious attack on Robert Maltby in Bacup Park, Rossendale; notes that Sophie and Rob were attacked because of their appearance as Goths; welcomes the news that their attackers have now been appropriately dealt with by the courts; and calls upon the Government urgently to review the scope of legislation on hate crimes, to assess whether there is a need for an amendment to include crimes perpetrated on innocent victims like Sophie and Rob merely because of their appearance.