10th November 2005

Executive pledges £4m in fight against race prejudice

More than £4 million is to be spent on a new Scottish Executive drive to fight racial prejudice in Scotland, it was announced today.

The pledge came from communities minister Malcolm Chisholm, who is to chair a "national coalition" on the subject.

About £2.3 million of the cash will go to the voluntary sector and will also help public bodies meet their legal responsibilities.

The remaining £2 million will be spent on local projects.

The cash boost comes in advance of a plan to be published some time next year which will set out measures to promote racial equality.

Commenting on the move, Mr Chisholm said:

"It is quite clear that many people still find their choices and opportunities limited because of their race - whether this discrimination is by design or default."

Source: The Scotsman