Kelly leads Labour in a new strategy

James Kelly MSP is to lead Scottish Labour’s new anti-sectarianism strategy.

Mr Kelly, formerly the MSP for Rutherglen, saw his bill to repeal the Scottish Government’s controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football Act pass its first vote last week.

Now he will head up Labour’s initiative which the party claim will bring together charities, campaign groups, faith leaders, local government, football clubs and police.

The strategy will have five strands, looking at reviewing funding, the role of clubs, fan groups and the police, assessing the work of the SNP, considering the recommendations of Dr Morrow’s Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism review, and examining new online challenges.

Mr Kelly said:“There should be no doubt that Labour is committed to ridding Scotland of sectarianism.

“Religious bigotry existed long before the Football Act and it is still a problem we are shamed by today.

“But it is not confined to the terraces of football stadiums and cannot be combated through broken legislation.

“Instead of unworkable laws, we must shift our focus to communities to tackle the root causes of bigotry, including through community groups and education, as recommended by experts at the justice committee.

“I am deadly serious about using my role as an MSP to tackle this modern day shame.”