Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, has welcomed a major step forward in the law after his amendment to toughen sentencing for hate crimes against LGBT+ and disabled people prompted the government to act.

Paul Waugh was one of 104 cross-party MPs who backed a change to the Crime and Policing Bill that would ensure crimes motivated by hostility towards a person’s disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity are treated as seriously in law as those based on race or religion.

The amendment was tabled by Labour MP Rachel Taylor, with strong support from Paul Waugh and MPs from across the political spectrum.

Speaking during a debate on the amendment, the government confirmed that it had heard the message “loud and clear” and would make the change through a government amendment in the House of Lords in the coming weeks.

The new law will ensure that serious crimes driven by prejudice against LGBT+ or disabled people become “aggravated” offences, carrying tougher sentences – just as they already do for crimes motivated by race or religion.

Paul Waugh MP, the MP for Rochdale, said:

“I was proud to back the campaign in Parliament to toughen the law on hate crime. Every victim deserves justice, and there should be no hierarchy when it comes to protecting people from targeted abuse. For too long, crimes driven by prejudice against LGBT+ and disabled people have not carried the same weight in law – today, we’ve taken an important step to put that right.”

“It was brilliant to see Rochdale’s Pride Parade back bigger than ever this year and I hope this Amendment will help many in the LGBTQ+ community get the protection they deserve.”

Rachel Taylor MP, the MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, said:

“Between March 2023 – 2024, over 40,000 hate crimes against people in Britain because of their sexual orientation, transgender identity, or disability were recorded by the police. Victims deserve to have these crimes treated every bit as seriously in law as crimes based on race and religion.

“I am absolutely delighted that the government has listened to me and the cross-party MPs who supported this vital change in the law, and will be making this change in the coming weeks. Equality has taken a great stride forward today and I want to thank all those who backed my campaign – I couldn’t have done it without them.”