Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 12:51 pm on 23 January 2025.
Maggie Chapman
Green
12:51,
23 January 2025
To ask the Scottish Government how its draft budget 2025-26 will contribute towards promoting anti-racism campaigns and initiatives. (S6O-04243)
Paul McLennan
Scottish National Party
Presiding Officer, it is difficult to hear on the front bench. I do not know what it is like in the rest of the chamber, but the sound is very quiet here.
Liam McArthur
Liberal Democrat
I think that you are right, Minister. We will investigate that. Ms Stewart, if you are able to respond to the question, we will try to deal with the audio.
Kaukab Stewart
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government is committed to working with partners across the public and third sectors to embed anti-racism and advance the race equality framework, including through delivery of the anti-racism observatory, as stated in our programme for government for 2024-25.
The details of spending commitments are subject to the outcome of spending reviews by the Scottish Government and approval of annual budget Bills by the Scottish Parliament. The equality and human rights fund for 2021-25 represents an overall £1 million increase on previous funding, with an additional £6.3 million—22 per cent—dedicated to race equality and anti-racism.
Maggie Chapman
Green
Far-right activity stoking anti-migrant rhetoric and violence is on the rise around the world. High-profile figures are casually using fascist gestures and hateful language. Blatantly racist slogans and stickers are appearing with increasing frequency on bus stops, lamp posts and the like in Aberdeen and elsewhere. It is no wonder that many members of our diverse communities feel increasingly targeted and marginalised.
Does the Minister agree that we all have a responsibility, as part of our anti-racist practice, to stand up to and challenge racism wherever we encounter it? What work is under way with partners, including in the public sector, who support marginalised people, have responsibilities to protect them or have responsibilities to tackle racism?
Kaukab Stewart
Scottish National Party
We unequivocally condemn all forms of prejudice or hatred, including racism. They have absolutely no place in our society, and nobody should ever be subjected to them. The Scottish Government is committed to building cohesive communities within which divisive narratives will not resonate. It is everyone’s responsibility to challenge hatred. We have been working closely with partners, including third sector organisations, justice organisations and local authorities, to tackle and prevent hatred and prejudice and to support and protect the marginalised communities that they serve.
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