Political leaders give support to the STUC St Andrews Day March and Rally

November 26th 2010

Political leaders give support to the STUC St Andrews Day March and Rally

November 26th 2010

SUAR

‘There is a better way’ - Scotland United Against Racism

STUC St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March and Rally SATURDAY 27th NOVEMBER 2010

Political leaders have sent messages of support to the marchers taking part in today’s (Saturday 27th November) St Andrews Day Anti Racism March and Rally being held in Glasgow.

Organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), the Annual St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March and Rally will show a Scotland united against racism, and in difficult economic times will remind people of the dangers of allowing prejudice and discrimination to go unchallenged.

The STUC is delighted to have the support of the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, trade unions, the Prime Minister David Cameron MP, the First Minister Alex Salmond MSP, Scottish politicians, the Scottish Refugee Council, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, the Scottish-Islamic Foundation, students, faith and community groups, for our St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March.

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said “Racism and discrimination have no place in our society. It is vital that we continue to challenge racism in all its guises and we have to ensure that Black Minority Ethnic (BME) workers are fully involved in our ‘There is a Better Way’ campaign to challenge any discrimination against black workers as the cuts take effect.”

ENDS For further information contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100

Notes for editors

Excerpts from the messages of support

RT HON DAVID CAMERON MP, PRIME MINISTER

“We all have a role to play, and we must all work together to bring about the change needed. Events like today’s anti-racism events play an important part in changing people’s attitudes.

“So thank you again for being part of today’s event – I send you all my best wishes for a very successful day.”

*

Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland

“Days like this, when people of all races and faiths come together, demonstrate that Scotland is an inclusive nation, where all can flourish, irrespective of race, faith, belief or place of birth.

“Thank you all for taking part today – I wish you well as you “Stand United Against Racism”.

*

Iain Gray MSP, Leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament

“Racism exists in Scotland today. Let there be no doubt about it and, as long as that is the case, we must fight against it. We can never afford to be complacent.

“However, we can also reflect that we’ve come a long way together and much has been achieved. This is down to people like all of you who are playing a part in the STUC’s Annual St Andrew’s day anti-racist programme. “The old saying ‘all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’ should never be forgotten.”

*

Annabel Goldie, Leader, Scottish Conservative Party

“I am delighted to be asked to contribute to the STUC’s St Andrews Day Anti-Racism initiative. It is an important occasion. It beholds all of us in Scotland, wherever we come from and whatever our background, to exercise mutual respect and tolerance towards each other.

“St Andrew’s Day is the National Day of Scotland. A day to celebrate everything that makes our country the great nation it is.”

*

Patrick Harvie, Leader, Scottish Green Party

“The Greens are proud to lend our support to the STUC in opposing racism. We all have our part to play in ridding Scotland of racism, and by joining together we can make it a thing of the past.”

*

Tavish Scott MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats

“Along with other Liberal Democrats, I have been pleased to support the “Show Racism the Red Card” campaign, both on and off the pitch. Just like the St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March and Rally, that campaign reaches beyond politicians and involves people from all walks of life. That has to be the way forward.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats support all Scots who stand up against racism. I send my best wishes to all who take part in this year’s St Andrew’s Day event.” *

March Assembles 10.30am St Andrew’s in the Square (off Saltmarket), Glasgow. March off 11.00am

Rally 12 noon Glasgow Film Theatre, Rose Street, Glasgow

Speakers:

• Sofi Taylor, UNISON, STUC Black Workers’ Network

• Professor Geoffrey Palmer (Edinburgh and Lothians Race Equality)

• Aamer Anwar (Scotland United and Human Rights Lawyer)