We cannot change the past but we can change the consequences of that past: we can change the future
statues and memorials worldwide, our evidence-based approach and commitment to consult now marks us out on a much bigger stage. To quote one of Scotland’s leading human rights activists, Prof Sir Geoff Palmer – himself the descendent of Caribbean slaves – we cannot change the past but we can change the consequences of that past: we can change the future. Glasgow is taking a step in that direction.
And we mustn’t allow ourselves to be pulled off course by those who would seek to use the past to reinforce the inequalities of the present and exploit the Black Lives Matter campaign to impose their own narrow world views and entrenched agendas.
The scenes from George Square at the weekend were shameful. They were not about defending statues or the Cenotaph; they were simply a display of racism and thuggery which should have no place on our streets.
It’s clear from my email inbox that many people have had their eyes opened by the Black Lives Matters protests and are taking it upon themselves to learn more about Glasgow’s historical connections with the slave trade. They are shocked by what they’ve found and motivated to seek change. That’s real progress.
• TAKE a bow Marcus Rashford. This young man, one of the most successful UK sports stars of his generation, hasn’t forgotten his experiences of relying on free school meals, food banks and the generosity of others.
His compelling case for additional support to help feed children in England whilst schools remain closed has forced the hand of Boris’s Tory Government.
Tackling food poverty was one of the early pledges of the SNP City Government. In our first ever budget we set aside several million pounds to address this and since then have funded a highly successful community-based holiday food programme.
News then that the Scottish Government has awarded councils £12.6m to feed children over the summer months is timely and welcome. Our plan now in Glasgow is to combine that support with our clothing grant and give families a single cash payment of £190 per eligible child. With the Covid crisis also widening the inequalities gap in our city, it’s a relief to know children and families who need it will get the help they need to put food on the table this summer.