Sarwar in call to tackle ‘everyday racism’
GLASGOW Labour MSP Anas Sarwar has written to the First Minister outlining a series of proposals to tackle “everyday racism and Islamophobia” across Scotland.
Mr Sarwar wants the Scottish Government to take action on black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) representation in the public sector workforce.
He also called for a review of the legal framework surrounding racist and Islamophobic abuse on social media.
The MSP spoke out last month about being subjected to racist com- ments during the Scottish Labour leadership contest.
He recently launched the Cross Party Group on Tackling Islamophobia, supported by MSPs from every political party and over 50 organisations.
In his letter to Nicola Sturgeon, Mr Sarwar said his proposals were about “challenging a culture that impacts on workplaces, colleges, university campuses and playgrounds across the country”.
Mr Sarwar said: “This isn’t about one individual or one party or organisation.
“It’s about challenging a culture that impacts on workplaces, colleges, university campuses and playgrounds across the country.
“What I have set out are steps that I believe the Scottish Government should take to challenge the consequences of everyday racism and Islamophobia.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “As stated in Parliament, the First Minister is committed to working constructively with the proposed cross-party group on tackling Islamophobia. We will consider the points raised by Mr Sarwar.”