DISABILITY hate crime must be tackled head on, says South Swindon MP Robert Buckland.

The most recent crime survey for England and Wales estimates 70,000 disability motivated hate crimes were committed during 2014-2015.

Disability hate crimes are any criminal offence which is motivated by hostility or prejudice to someone’s disability.

Mr Buckland said: “As the Equality and Human Rights Commission has said, it is ‘a crime hidden in plain sight’. And we also know there is currently a stark gap between the reporting of these crimes and successful prosecution outcomes.

“Disability hate crime is an abhorrent and intolerable crime which is a growing problem in the UK.

“As the parent of a disabled child, I know how thoughtless actions can affect the wider family as well as the individual being targeted.

"Sadly, when we see the more extreme manifestations of ill feelings towards disabled people, it can lead to crimes being committed against them.”

To coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week earlier this month ministers met senior leaders from the criminal justice system refresh the cross-Government Hate Crime Action Plan.

Mr Buckland said: “From the policing and enforcement sector, the CPS has developed a mandatory training programme for all prosecutors on disability hate crime which is now being rolled out.

"The College of Policing has also published hate crime operational guidance for officers.

“All of this work is already improving performance, though there still remains a long way to go.

“With increased training amongst the police, prosecutors, and the judiciary we are continuing to raise the profile of this type of offence.

“Only by understanding their perspectives and listening to their needs can there be meaningful and lasting change.”