There’s no difference between those who try to divide us on whether we’re English or Scottish and those who try to divide us on our race, religion or background
LONDON MAYOR SADIQ KHAN
LONDON and Scotland have always had a very special relationship.
We are twin beacons of progressive values and hope within the United Kingdom. We both celebrate our diversity and take pride in our tolerance. We strive for equality and to increase opportunities.
And we fight tooth and nail for fairness and inclusion.
But despite our shared values, there are some in Scotland who are determined to define London as Scotland’s enemy – to turn us against each other.
They try to paint my city as the home of ‘the elite’ – as a hotbed of conservatism. Well I’m in Perth today to send a clear message to all Scots that nothing could be further from the truth.
Because that is not my London and that is not Labour’s London – the London that I know and love.
We’re living through extraordinary times and the world is becoming an increasingly turbulent and divided place.
We’ve seen Brexit, president Trump elected in the United States and the rise of right-wing populist and narrow nationalist parties around the world.
It’s up to us – whether in Scotland or in London – to fight this trend.
The last thing we need now is to pit different parts of our country or sections of our society against each other – or to further fuel division or seek separation.
There’s no difference between those who try to divide us on the basis of whether we’re English or Scottish and those who try to divide us on the basis of our background, race or religion.
The antidote to Brexit and the rise of right-wing populist parties is not to run away, break away or push our neighbours away. It’s to lead in a different direction – the right direction.
That is the message I’m taking to the Scottish Labour Party conference today – that now is the time to build unity, create a more United Kingdom and ensure everyone has the opportunities they need to succeed.
We will only succeed in turning back the tide if we do it together. Together within our communities and together across borders – working for the collective good.
If we are to continue to thrive, Scotland and London need to stay true to our shared progressive values.
That means creating a more open and inclusive economy, working in partnership with other countries and cities and continuing to celebrate our diversity – because we know that it’s a strength, not a weakness.
That is the approach that Labour are taking in power in London. And that is the approach that only Labour and Kezia Dugdale can deliver for Scotland.