Thousands gather for anti-racism march and rally

COMMUNITY groups, politicians and trade unionists joined forces yesterday to call for an end to racism.

The campaigners gathered in Glasgow for the annual St Andrew's Day anti-racism march and rally. The Scottish Trade Union Congress organised the demonstration to "remind people of the dangers of allowing prejudice and discrimination to go unchallenged".

A spokesman said about 2,000 people, including Labour's shadow Scottish secretary Ann McKechin, joined in the march through the city centre. The march set off from St Andrew's in the Square, off Saltmarket, before a rally was held on Rose Street, near the Glasgow Film Theatre. Speakers included lawyer Aamer Anwar and Geoffrey Palmer of Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Equality Council.

The STUC said the march also had the support of Prime Minister David Cameron MP, First Minister Alex Salmond and other politicians from across the political spectrum.

Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray called on every Scot to "challenge racism wherever it surfaces". He said: "It is up to all of us to confront it in everyday life; in the workplace, in the playground, at a football stadium or when with friends and neighbours."