MSP calls for £1m boost in funding to tackle sectarianism as schemes run short of cash

Labour has launched a campaign calling for increased funding for projects to tackle sectarianism across Scotland.

The party claimed schemes currently running have just two weeks before their funding runs out and have not been told when applications for more cash will open.

Scottish Government funding has fallen in the last three years from £3 million in 2015-16 to £500,000 in 201718. Labour MSP James Kelly called on the Scottish Government to announce the new funding of at least £1 million urgently.

Mr Kelly’s Member’s Bill to scrap a controversial law aimed at tackling sectarianism in football was passed at the Scottish Parliament last week.

Community safety and legal affairs minister Annabelle Ewing said: “There is no place for any kind of prejudice in Scotland and we are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination. This is why I made a commitment in the Scottish Parliament on 15 March to maintaining funding to deliver work to tackle sectarianism in 2018-19 and to providing a real terms increase to this.

“Since 2012, this government has invested an unprecedented £13m to support the delivery of anti-sectarian education in schools, prisons, workplaces and communities.”