The way elements of the campaign to leave the EU sought to “toxify the debate” before the referendum is likely to have contributed to an increase in reported hate crimes, MPs have heard. “Now, obviously, for the vast majority of people, that was just about voting in the referendum. “It all contributed to an atmosphere where, in a way, fact and reality didn’t matter,” Lowles said. He said: “For most people who voted Brexit, immigration wasn’t the number one issue as to why they voted. “I haven’t spoken to a single east European person who hasn’t experienced something in the immediate aftermath,” he said.

Source: The Guardian November 15, 2016 22:30 UTC