MSP CONDEMNS PLANS FOR RACIST MARCH IN LOCKERBIE

11.16.00am GMT Mon 1st Mar 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today united with Parliamentarians in condemning a racist organisation's proposed march through Lockerbie later this month.

The MSP spoke at a press conference early this morning (1st March) organised by solicitor Aamer Anwar of Scotland United.

Jim Hume said:

"The Lockerbie community faced horror and the focus of the world just over 21 years ago, and since that time people in the town have made it clear that they want to move on from that awful night.

"The so called Scottish Defence League, however, have wilfully ignored pleas from local people, and plan to use Lockerbie as a staging post for their racist beliefs by marching illegally through the town later this month.

"There is no doubt that the SDL are a racist group. I am a proud Scot and a proud Brit, and part of my pride comes from the diverse population we live in, from living in and being part of a tolerant society, and from the strengths that come from diversity.

"The SDL should halt their plans to use Lockerbie as a cheap publicity stunt. Their racist views are not welcome in Lockerbie; their racist views are not welcome in Scotland."