First Minister will call on people across
Scotland to come together and celebrate the values that unite
communities at the STUC St Andrew's Day March and Rally today.
The First Minister will give a speech reaffirming his
government's commitment to standing against racism and division
in all its forms. Later today he will visit Maryhill to
meet a group of children practicing Burns and Rumi poetry for a
performance hosted by Glasgow Aghan United.
The visit comes as the First Minister has written an open letter
to all refugees and those seeking asylum in Scotland, reassuring
them of the Scottish Government's commitment to stand up for
their rights and tackle racism head-on. Commenting, Mr Swinney
said:
"St Andrew's Day belongs to us all. It celebrates Scotland's rich
heritage and reminds us of who we are as people and as a country.
Scotland welcomes those seeking sanctuary and safety, and in
doing so, we enrich our communities and strengthen the very
fabric of Scottish society.
“The UK Government's new immigration proposals are repugnant, and
do not represent who we are. The government I lead in Scotland
will work with the Scottish trade union movement to tackle
prejudice, root out racism and leave no community marginalised,
isolated, or vulnerable.
“In these turbulent and volatile times, community cohesion
matters more than ever. It is and has to be a shared endeavour to
defend what we hold dear – whether it is our democracy, our
rights or our values under threat. And this rally and your
presence here today send a powerful signal to those who hate.”
Background
The First Minister's letter is available on the Scottish
Government's website.
