No place for racism in Scotland
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP will help lead the STUC St Andrew’s Day March and Rally this weekend in Glasgow.
The STUC, Scotland’s largest trade union body, welcomed the announcement with General Secretary Roz Foyer praising the Greens for their “long-standing” support for rooting out racism.
The annual anti-racism march will rally later with speeches from across Scotland’s political parties and from anti-racism campaigners involved in opposing far-right attacks throughout the country.
Gillian Mackay said:
“I am proud to be joining comrades from across the trade union movement on Saturday as we stand in solidarity against racism and injustice.
“With the far right on the rise, it is vital that our movement comes together to challenge their toxic and divisive rhetoric that seeks to divide communities across our country.
“A lot of people are angry and I am too. Many are rightly worried about the lack of housing, the increasing waits for a doctor’s appointment, and rising bills. After continuous years of cuts and austerity a lot of people feel that the system is rigged against them.
“But those problems are not caused by those seeking asylum, they are caused by multi-millionaires and billionaires.
“It is down to each one of us, the trade union movement, politicians, activists, and campaigners to offer a different and better vision. A vision that puts hope before hate and that puts people before corporate greed.”
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:
“We’re very pleased that Gillian will be attending our St Andrew’s Day March and Rally and welcome her long-standing support for rooting out racism, division and far-right activity right across our communities.
“Now more than ever, leaders across our trade unions, political parties, social movements and civic Scotland must stand in solidarity with those being attacked by the poison of the far right.
“The Scottish Greens have been steadfast in fighting against those who wish to divide us whilst turning fire on the true cause of discontent in our communities: greed, mass profiteering and deep rooted social injustice.
“We look forward to seeing Gillian and everyone else this St Andrew’s Day to build a Scotland that values harmony over hatred and unity over division."