Police, safety & law

If you are stopped by the police

The UK has no general duty to carry ID, and being foreign is not grounds for suspicion. If you are stopped and searched, the officer must tell you their name and station, what they expect to find, and why they are legally allowed to search you — and you are entitled to a written record. If you are arrested, you have the right to free legal advice at the police station (ask for the duty solicitor), and to have someone told where you are. An interpreter must be provided if you need one.

• Stop and search: your rights (GOV.UK)
• If you're arrested: your rights (GOV.UK)

Hate crime — and hate incidents

Abuse, threats or violence targeting you because of your nationality — including being told to "go home", attacks for speaking your language, or damage to your property — is a hate crime, and it is taken seriously. Report it even if you are unsure it "counts": recording matters.

Not everything hurtful is a crime. Where hostility is aimed at your nationality but no criminal line is crossed, it is a hate incident — and it is still worth reporting, because the police record it and patterns build a picture. If it happened in a shop, on a bus or at a business, you can also complain to that organisation directly: its staff's conduct is its responsibility.

• Emergency: 999. Non-emergency: 101 or your force's website.
• True Vision (report-it.org.uk) — the police's national online service for reporting hate crime and hate incidents.

Discrimination in shops and services

Being treated worse in a shop, by a company, a landlord, a school or any service because of your race or nationality can be unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. This protection covers everyone in the UK, whatever your immigration route or when you arrived. The Equality Advisory and Support Service (0808 800 0082) gives free, confidential advice on what happened and your options. For the full route, including the strict time limits on any claim, see when you are discriminated against or abused.

If you are a victim of crime

• Victim Support — free, confidential help whether or not you report to the police (0808 168 9111, 24/7).
• Domestic abuse: the freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 runs 24/7; in an emergency call 999.

Free legal help

• Law Centres Network — find your nearest law centre: independent charities giving free legal advice and casework in housing, employment, benefits, immigration and more.
• Citizens Advice — free, confidential advice on almost anything, everywhere in the UK.
• Check if you qualify for legal aid (GOV.UK) — public funding still covers some housing, domestic abuse, discrimination and immigration matters.

Last reviewed: July 2026.