Government needs to ‘fight against racism’

The country needs a government that will “fight for a society free from racism and discrimination”, the Labour leader said on the final day of his Scottish campaign tour.

He met activists in Musselburgh yesterday before attending an event at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Rock Against Racism festival in Glasgow.

Mr Corbyn said: “Tory cuts and austerity have affected everyone but have disproportionately hurt the poorest, the young, women, LGBT people and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

“Instead of causing such harm, we need a government that will fight for a society free from racism and discrimination, where people are free to live their lives.

“We will immediately guarantee the rights of all EU nationals living in the UK. People are not bargaining chips.

“It is disgraceful that the Conservative Government treated them this way – and sent letters threatening to deport some of them.

“The world faces an almost unprecedented refugee crisis.

“Britain has a proud tradition as a place of safety for those forced to flee their homes by war, famine or disaster.

“The next Labour government will be proud to honour our international legal obligations – and our moral duty – to offer safety to our fair share of refugees.”

He said his party would adopt a zero tolerance approach to hate crime, including that motivated by religion, race, sexual orientation or gender.

“We can, and we will, build a better country,” he added