Former first minister calls for funding for anti-bigotry group

FORMER First Minister Jack McConnell has called for the future of a high-profile anti-bigotry campaign group in Scotland to be secured.

Nil by Mouth organisers say their funding is due to run out in March next year and are in talks with ministers over its future.

The group was set up in 2000 after the sectarian murder of Celtic fan Mark Scott by Rangers supporter Jason Campbell as he walked home from Parkhead in Glasgow after a match.

Mr McConnell said yesterday: “Nil by Mouth is one of those organisations that makes life difficult for politicians by telling home truths without fear or favour.

“But that is precisely why it should continue to be funded by government.

“Nil by Mouth has helped change the face of Scotland over the last decade and I hope ministers will realise the vital role it has played and back it for a further three years.”

The former Labour leader staged a series of anti- sectarianism summits when he was in power and the issue was central to his administration’s policy decisions.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said Nil by Mouth has been invited to submit a proposal for funding. “We await its submission with interest,” he said.

“We are totally committed to tackling all forms of religious bigotry, including sectarianism, and there will be no let-up in our resolve to rid Scotland of this disgraceful behaviour.

“Sectarianism simply has no place in a modern, inclusive Scotland.”

The Scottish Government last week provided £413,000 to Sense over Sectarianism for the 2008-11 period to support anti-sectarian initiatives across Glasgow.

“It is excellent news for them and we welcome the announcement,” said Nil by Mouth co-ordinator Lyndsay Hill yesterday. “But it does nothing to end the uncertainty hanging over us.”