AN Oxfordshire MEP has spoken out against attacks on EU citizens in the UK.

In recent months there has been a rise in crimes committed against people from other EU countries who live here.

Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder spoke in the European Parliament to condemn the attacks.

She said: "Britain's reputation across Europe as a beacon of tolerance and diversity lies in tatters, driven by the deployment of divisive and hate filled rhetoric from right wing Brexiteers and English nationalists."

"It’s time for those who want Britain to be an outward-looking, decent and tolerant country to speak out."

"The vast majority of EU citizens who come to the UK do so to work and pay their taxes.

"Without them our NHS, agricultural and food sectors would struggle to function."

The UK Equality and Human Rights Commission has said that some of the language used during the EU referendum campaign 'legitimised hate'.

The Lib Dems in the European Parliament have launched a cross-party initiative which led to the debate on the issue.