In anticipation of International Mother Language Day and the upcoming Bhasha Glasgow Language Festival 2025, a roundtable discussion on “Language Loss in Today’s World” was hosted at the Scottish Parliament.
This panel discussion, chaired by Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, was organised by the Bangladesh Association Glasgow and brought together leading experts to address the pressing global issue of language extinction.
As globalisation accelerates, linguistic diversity is under threat, with many languages facing the risk of extinction. This roundtable provided an essential platform to discuss the impact of language loss and explore strategies to safeguard endangered languages.
The discussion was driven by an esteemed panel of experts from academia, policy, and advocacy, including Dr. Antonella Sorace, Professor of Developmental Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh and founding director of Bilingualism Matters; Dr. Alison Phipps OBE, Professor of Languages and Intercultural Studies at the University of Glasgow and UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts; Fhiona Mackay, Director of Scotland’s National Centre for Languages; and Dr. Cristina Clopot, Policy Advice Officer of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
This engaging discussion aimed to generate awareness and foster actionable solutions to mitigate or prevent language extinction. The theme of language loss demonstrates the global efforts of prevention.
This theme was present throughout the roundtable with Dr. Saif D Khan, trustee from the Bangladesh Association Glasgow, moderating an insightful discussion focused on key examples of how the language loss is being prevented globally, with a case study focus on Scots and Gaelic.
Abdullah Al Wasif with Unityflow AI provided an insightful presentation on next-generation speech recognition for underserved languages in enterprise.
This revealed that many languages are fading due to limited digital and technological support, such as Gaelic, which has been classified by UNESCO as “definitely endangered.”
Other languages that need attention include Scots, which lacks digital integration; Sylheti and Bengali, spoken in communities but under-represented; Polish and Romanian, spoken by large migrant groups but underserved in voice technology.
By implementing data tools, it is possible to preserve Scotland’s linguistic diversity and increase accessibility for public services for minority and migrant languages.
The insights from this session will contribute to broader conversations at the Bhasha Glasgow Language Festival 2025, which launches on February 18, 2025, coinciding with International Mother Language Day.
The President of Bangladesh Association Glasgow, Mr. Ehtesham Hasnain, invited the roundtable participants to attend the upcoming events from this year’s festival.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Choudhury stated, “Language is more than just communication; it embodies culture, identity, and heritage.This discussion is a timely call to action, ensuring that no language disappears without a fight.”
Edinburgh’s third sector is facing a funding crisis that could result in the loss of essential health and social care services. Sixty-four third sector organisations, which provide vital support to the city’s most vulnerable residents, are at risk following proposed funding cuts by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).
The potential closure of these organisations would not only impact service users but could also lead to the loss of 200 jobs, many through compulsory redundancies.
Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, is actively engaging with Edinburgh City Council to advocate for greater clarity and support for these organisations. “I have been asking the council to consider taking over the funding of the 64 organisations,” he said.
In response, Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, has indicated a positive step forward: “Our Finance Convenor proposed an additional £2 million of transition funding for Edinburgh’s third sector service providers.
“The work that these organisations do helps local people, many of whom desperately need this assistance and support.
“I’m pleased that by raising this in Committee, we allowed all attending councillors to indicate support for finding more money to help Edinburgh’s charitable and volunteering groups, some of which are facing existential cuts following a decision by the EIJB.”
Community Pressure and Temporary Relief
Public outcry in response to the proposed cuts in November 2024 led to their rejection, with the EIJB pledging to collaborate with affected organisations to seek alternative solutions.
In December 2024, the EIJB extended the existing grants—originally set to expire on 31 March 2025—by three months. However, this extension provides only temporary relief, with no long-term security for the organisations involved.
While some may secure alternative funding, others could be forced to close, leaving significant gaps in service provision.
Council Report Highlights Risks
A report submitted to Edinburgh City Council and Officers following an initial assessment of the situation highlighted serious concerns.
The report concluded that the closure of the EIJB grants programme poses a substantial risk to the financial viability of many third sector organisations, many of which are key partners in delivering council services.
The potential closure of these organisations could undermine the council’s ability to deliver existing projects, programmes, and priorities, further exacerbating social inequalities across Edinburgh.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
MSP Choudhury remains committed to advocating for a sustainable funding solution that protects essential services and jobs: “I will continue to push for sustainable funding solutions that protect the essential services our communities rely on,” Mr Choudhury affirmed.
With the future of Edinburgh’s third sector organisations hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the council and EIJB to ensure long-term solutions are found to protect these vital services.
A record number of cultural organisations to receive stable, year-on-year funding to deliver culture and creativity for Scotland’s people
All organisations currently funded by Creative Scotland to receive a significant uplift after years of standstill funding
An additional 141 organisations will receive a multi-year funding commitment for the first time
Significant increase in community-focused organisations being supported, alongside established cultural organisations, better representing Scotland’s geography and diversity
Overall funding to the portfolio will increase further in 2026/27
This cultural shift has been made possible thanks to a significant budget commitment from the Scottish Government
Today, Thursday 30 January 2025, in a significant moment for culture in Scotland, Creative Scotland has announced the largest portfolio of cultural organisations ever to be supported on a multi-year basis.
The recent uplift in Grant-in-Aid funding from the Scottish Government, releasing the largest budget ever available to Creative Scotland, enables more than £200m in support to be provided to 251 organisations over the next three years.
Further to this, 13 other organisations, will be supported by a £3.2m Development Fund, with a view to them joining the Multi-Year Funding portfolio in 2026/27.
Over half of the organisations in the portfolio are being offered a multi-year funding commitment for the first time, reaching more parts of Scotland, and more parts of our society, than ever before.
Those organisations which have an existing regular funding relationship with Creative Scotland will receive an average uplift of 34% in their funding in 2025/26, increasing to an average of 54% from 2026/27, bringing certainty and stability.
North Edinburgh Arts is one of the organisations to receive three year funding. They said: ‘We are delighted to share that North Edinburgh Arts has been awarded Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland! We are looking forward to re-opening our venue in the coming weeks, so the confirmation of Multi-Year Funding has come at the ideal time.
“NEA’s venue is owned, used, and loved by our community. The stability of long-term funding will allow us to plan with confidence and make a real difference for the hundreds of artists, participants, volunteers, and visitors coming through our door.”
Hidden Door also received good news. They announced: “We’re proud to be one of 13 organisations to receive Creative Scotland development funding with a view to joining their Multi-Year Funding portfolio in 2026
This is a huge vote of confidence in our support for emerging artists, connecting audiences with inspirational cultural experiences.
‘We’re acutely aware of the challenges facing the creative sector, and we know that not everyone will have received good news today. But we warmly congratulate all those who secured funding, and we look forward to collaborating with many more wonderful projects in the years to come.’
Together, the organisations in this portfolio deliver cultural and creative work of quality, breadth and depth to audiences across Scotland and internationally and the portfolio is more representative of Scotland’s geography, diversity, people and communities than ever before. All this underlines Scotland’s reputation as a thriving creative nation where culture is valued and developed for all.
Importantly, the portfolio also provides significant support to Scotland’s local and national economy, through direct employment, by creating opportunities for freelancers, and by supporting individual artists and creative practitioners of all types.
Robert Wilson, Chair of Creative Scotlandsaid: “This is an extremely positive moment for culture in Scotland, bringing with it a renewed sense of stability and certainty to Scotland’s culture sector.
“Thanks to the vote of confidence in the culture sector, demonstrated by the recently announced budget from the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland can offer stable, year-on-year funding to more organisations than ever before.
“I’m particularly pleased that this funding will increase further from next year, enabling even more fantastic artistic and creative work to be developed here in Scotland.
“Stable, long-term funding for as many organisations as possible is the underlying principle of the Multi-Year Funding programme, and we are delighted to be able to bring it to fruition.
“This funding means that we are able to bring so many new, community focused organisations into the portfolio, while also providing significant increases to those more established organisations which have been on standstill, regular funding for so many years.
“I’m also very pleased to be able to offer 13 further organisations significant amounts of development funding, to enable them to come into the portfolio in its second year.
“This signals a significant moment of positive change for Scotland’s cultural community, and I hope that, after the deeply challenging time of the pandemic, and the difficulties that have faced the sector in the subsequent years, that now is the time that we can look forward with confidence and the Scottish culture sector can get on with what it does best, producing outstanding art and creativity for everyone to enjoy.”
Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Culturesaid: “This is a foundational moment for culture and the arts in Scotland. More organisations than ever, in more parts of the country will benefit from the stability of Multi-Year Funding with the number of funded organisations more than doubling, from 119 to 251.
“Funded as part of a record £34 million increase for culture in the draft 2025-26 Scottish Budget, this significant increase in both the number of funded organisations, and the level of grant funding they will receive, has the potential to be truly transformational. It secures the future of key cultural organisations of all sizes across Scotland, which are major assets to our communities and our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and creating new opportunities for freelancers, artists and other creative practitioners.
“It means 251 culture organisations across Scotland, from Argyll and Bute to Shetland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, and the Borders, will receive Multi-Year Funding from April this year and a further 13 have the possibility of doing so from 2026-27.
“I am also reassured that the remaining unsuccessful applicants will all be offered bespoke support from Creative Scotland to adapt their business models.”
Following the ministerial statement in the Scottish Parliament, Labour Lothians MSP Foysol Choudhury welcomed the funding: “This funding decision is a step forward for Scotland’s cultural community. It reflects the collective determination of local groups, artists, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to highlight the importance of the arts in our society.
“I am proud to have played a role in advocating for multi-year funding, and I hope this provides some temporary relief to the culture sector. Festivals have struggled with standstill government funding for years, stunting their growth. The culture sector should not just be fighting for its survival.”
The list of organisations being awarded Multi-Year Funding, and their award for the next three years, is available on our website.
The list of organisations being offered development funding, and their conditional award for the next three years, is also available on our website.
Newly revealed figures have highlighted the scale of sewage pollution in Scotland, with 165 spills recorded at the Seafield sewage treatment works in Edinburgh last year. These spills resulted in partially treated sewage being discharged into the sea for a total of 890 hours, raising serious concerns about environmental protection and public health.
Managed by the French utility company Veolia under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement with Scottish Water, Seafield is one of nine sewage sites operating under similar contracts.
Across these facilities, more than 500 sewage overflows were reported in 2023, amounting to a total of 3,500 hours of discharge. Major spillages were also recorded at locations such as Newbridge, Blackburn, Whitburn, and East Calder.
Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, has called for urgent action to address the ageing infrastructure and improve oversight of sewage discharges.
MSP Choudhury said: “The scale of sewage pollution in Scotland is unacceptable. Communities across the country, including here in Edinburgh, deserve clean beaches, rivers, and waterways.
“The current system is failing, and this must change.”
Mr. Choudhury has seen the Seafield site become a source of concern for residents, particularly after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued a warning in July 2023 advising against swimming at Portobello Beach due to high bacteria levels.
In May 2024, residents were encouraged to report odour and noise issues from Seafield via the Leith Links Community Council’s online nuisance report form to ensure complaints are sent directly to elected officials, including MSPs and councillors, to keep the pressure on to address these longstanding problems.
Choudhury said: “The Seafield Sewage Treatment Works has exposed local Leithers to a series of appalling odour and sewage leaks. What impact does this have on the local environment like the Water of Leith and the Forth?”
“Scotland’s beaches and waterways are among our most cherished natural assets. It’s not enough for operators to claim compliance with licenses— people deserve transparency and action to safeguard our environment and health.”
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PFI CONTRACTS
The Seafield plant and others like it are managed under PFI contracts, but MSP Choudhury has questioned whether this model delivers for communities. In the Highlands, a PFI sewage plant has already been brought back under public control following the expiration of its contract.
Foysul Choudhury continues to raise questions and engage with local communities to demand greater accountability from operators and stronger action from the Scottish Government when it comes to polluting Scotland’s waterways.
LOOKING AHEAD
The PFI contract for Seafield is due to expire in 2029, at which point the plant will revert to public control under Scottish Water. Mr. Choudhury hopes that this transition is used as an opportunity to overhaul the system, upgrade facilities, and end the cycle of sewage spills polluting Scotland’s rivers and beaches.
A spokesperson for Veolia responded: “We operate the Seafield Waste Water Treatment works in line with the SEPA licence conditions and everything that leaves the plant has been treated.
“Even during significant rainfall, the works are designed and operated to ensure all wastewater goes through our screening, grit removal and settlement processes before being discharged.
“We work with the local community, SEPA and Scottish Water to provide an effective service for residents and the environment and support continuous improvement works. We have a doors open policy where members of the public, councillors, MPs and MSPs can visit the site.”
At the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Plant, there is only one exit point of the plant with two outfalls. This is where final effluent (fully treated wastewater) leaves the facility.
In times of significant rainfall, contents from the settled storm overflow or settled primary overflow tanks would also be discharged from this point.
These discharges are licensed and only take place under significant rainfall events in full accordance with the site’s licence.. All discharges are treated to some extent and no raw sewage is discharged from the plant.
These should not be classed as “dumping events”. Storm discharges are continuously monitored, and the data shared with Scottish Water and SEPA
Veolia did operate a wastewater contract in the Highlands with Scottish Water and at the end of its contract period it transitioned back to Scottish Water as originally agreed after 25 years of successful service. This was not due to any inference of poor performance.
Veolia is required under the licence at Seafield to report data to SEPA and this has always been done in compliance with the licence.
As Veolia is a private company working with Scottish Water, our operations are sampled every day, which is more frequent than regulated water companies.
This is an additional level of scrutiny and gives greater assurances that we are compliant with our SEPA licence.
“TYPE 1 DIABETES DOES NOT CHANGE ONCE YOU CROSS THE BORDER, WHY SHOULD TYPE 1s IN SCOTLAND MISS OUT AND RECEIVE WORSE CARE BASED ON WHERE THEY LIVE?”
Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, led the Scottish Parliament’s first Member’s Business of 2025 on one of Scotland’s most pressing healthcare technology issues – access to medical technology for diabetic patients.
This debate comes after much campaigning from both in and outside of parliament, including groups like iPAG (Insulin Pump Awareness Group), Diabetes Scotland, and MSPs like Mr. Choudhury, fellow Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack and Labour’s health spokesperson, Jackie Baillie.
Access to diabetes technology is crucial for people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), an incurable autoimmune condition that requires lifelong insulin therapy and constant management, including making up to 180 more daily decisions about their health to balance blood glucose levels.
Access to diabetes technologies is essential to reducing the physical and mental burden of type 1 diabetes and preventing serious complications like seizures, heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and death.
The physical and mental toll of T1D is immense, often causing symptoms like lethargy, nausea, and anxiety, as well as diabetes distress, but tailored treatments and access to current technologies are critical to easing this burden and improving quality of life.
This push for access to technology comes not only from campaign groups and politicians but also from those suffering long wait times to access HCL systems, with Scottish Labour figures showing about 3,000 patients waiting across Scottish health boards. Nearly 1,000 are waiting in Lothian alone, with some in Scotland waiting over five years for an insulin pump.
In June 2024, the Scottish Government announced “up to” £8.8 million to improve access to diabetes technology, including pumps and continuous glucose monitors. Yet health boards are still facing significant pressures to fund diabetes technology with the ongoing cost of managing and replacing these devices.
Some have stated that patients outside the identified priority groups will not have access to this technology for the foreseeable future. As of November, NHS Lothian has stated that there has been no additional funding for dieticians, diabetes nursing, and administrative costs from the Scottish Government.
As a result, these constraints are driving a shift toward less suitable options, such as systems that prevent carers from monitoring glucose levels remotely. Families report being offered Freestyle Libre 2+ or Freestyle Libre 3 as standard, with little consideration for individual needs.
This approach poses significant safety risks, particularly for young children and individuals unable to manage their own systems. This goes against SIGN 170, a toolkit published by NHS Health Improvement Scotland and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.
During the debate, MSP Choudhury emphasised: “Type 1 diabetes does not change once you cross the border, why should type 1s in Scotland miss out and receive worse care based on where they live?
“Diabetes technology is genuinely preventative care which will save the NHS money in the long term.”
Mr. Choudhury concluded: ““I want to finish by asking members to place themselves in the shoes of a type 1. Knowing the technology to change your life is available, but there is no political will to ensure you get it soon. Imagine the frustration you would feel day by day. We cannot just tell people to wait.”
Online activist and T1 diabetic, Lesley Ross, contributed online: “We shouldn’t have to fight for the best possible care when we are struggling to manage our condition.”
Chair of iPAG Scotland, Mary Moody contributed online: “We know that diabetes teams across Scotland want to do the best for their patients but are restricted by administrative and budgetary constraints.
A toolkit to assist decision-making is published by NHS Health Improvement Scotland and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network,
but may be disregarded with people being given equipment that does not meet their exact needs and may put them at risk. This has got to improve. Patient safety has to come first.”
Following the debate, MSP Choudhury concluded: ““I want to thank the campaigners and type 1s who have been advocating and contributing to this discussion and thank them for their hard work.”
Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), observed every November, aims to raise awareness about Islamophobia—fear, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslims—and promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for Muslim communities.
IAM challenges prejudice, fosters social cohesion, and helps ensure Muslims can live free from fear and fully participate in society.
Scottish Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury closed IAM with the Muslim Council of Scotland by hosting a roundtable at Scottish Parliament this week.
This event reflected this year’s IAM theme, ‘Seeds of Change,’ emphasising the importance of small actions to contribute to larger changes and to celebrate the positive contribution of Muslims across the UK.
This meeting aimed to raise awareness of Islamophobia and promote understanding and respect across diverse communities. The roundtable comprised keynote speakers, including the leader of the Scottish Labour Party and first host of the Cross-Party Group on Islamophobia, Anas Sarwar, Dr. Abu Jaffar Moshan, along with voices from the community.
During the roundtable, MSP Choudhury recognised the significant role Scottish Muslims have played in shaping our society, making contributions to education, healthcare, business, the arts, and more.
Mr. Choudhury highlighted the need to involve other Muslim communities in the discussion, like Middle Eastern communities, and to engage with these new Scot communities to work towards tackling root causes of prejudice.
Mr. Choudhury emphasised how current world conflicts are impacting both Muslim and Jewish communities in Scotland and the UK.
The roundtable celebrated community support by awarding a shield of appreciation to Assistant Chief Constable, Shaheen Barber for his work with Police Scotland.
Linsay Taylor was also awarded a shield appreciation recognising her work with Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) and Interfaith.
Linsay’s work was hugely impactful to Mr. Choudhury and his work on tackling Islamophobia, as she spoke on the experiences of Muslim women and her experience living in Scotland while wearing a hijab.
The event also held representatives from Police Scotland, who spoke to their anti-racism training work, and MSPs Monica Lennon and Mercedes Villalba.
During the roundtable, MSP Choudhury emphasised: “One priority I want to highlight this evening is the increasing need to educate against Islamophobia.”
Foysol Choudhury MSP, Scottish Labour Spokesperson on Culture, Europe and International Development is congratulating the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) on its 25th anniversary and recognising its important work in representing young people’s views.
Last week Foysol Choudhury attended a parliamentary reception marking the 25th anniversary of the SYP, meeting with recently elected Edinburgh MSYPs and attended the Autumn Session of the SYP, hearing the issues most important to young people today.
The Scottish Youth Parliament was formed in 1999 following the United Kingdom’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which established the right for children to have their views heard and taken seriously.
Following the autumn sitting Mr Choudhury said: “It was inspiring and humbling attending the Autumn sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament. It was great to see the talent of our young people on show and their commitment to creating a more fair and equitable society.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament is one of our best organisations and does great work in making our young people’s voices heard through their campaigns and giving their views on the impacts of legislation on young people.
“The SYP is often ahead of politicians when it comes to their campaigns, whether that be universal music tuition in schools, banning single-use plastics or free bus travel.
“If Saturday’s sitting is anything to go by, the future of the country is in safe hands. I hope the next 25 years of the Scottish Youth Parliament are as successful and impactful as the first and they continue to push politicians to be better and represent our young people.”
Mr Choudhury wished all MSYPs well, and hopes to work with the Scottish Youth Parliament in the future on tackling racism.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has written to Cllr Cammy Day, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, urging the Council to urgently re-open the People’s Story museum.
The museum has been closed in advance of a debate on a proposal for the temporary closure of the museum.
STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: ““The People’s Story is unique in Edinburgh, the only place in Scotland’s capital city that documents the experience and conditions of working class people in the city.
“We are deeply concerned that the council has pre-empted the debate on a proposed temporary closure and has already closed the museum’s doors, depriving locals of access to one of the only free attractions in the city centre.
“The old town has been laid bare by corporate developers and over tourism, driving locals out as prices soar. This museum documented the experiences of working class Edinburgh and needs investment. Instead, it has been abandoned by the Council.”
Lothians MSP Foysol Choudhury, Shadow Culture Minister for Scottish Labour, has urged the First Minister to protect Scotland’s museums and culture sector, following the proposed closure of The People’s Story Museum in Edinburgh until April 2025.
“The People’s Story Museum is the only museum in Edinburgh dedicated to teaching the history of working-class people, it would be a great loss to the city and Scotland, depriving the public of a chance to discover history they can identify with.
“I have written to Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, following the proposed closure of the People’s Story Museum for seven months due to an “urgent” need to cut costs.
“I am asking the Council to delay its decision on this proposal to look at all alternatives to ensure The People’s Story can remain open.
“For years Scottish Labour has pressed the Scottish Government to resource our councils properly, we are now seeing the consequences with more and more being forced to close museums and cultural venues. I will continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure there is sufficient investment in our museums.”
The People’s Story Museum was opened in 1984 in the Canongate, to create a collection which reflected the working-class history of Edinburgh and the city’s proud history of protest and organising for the rights of people at home and around the world.
Foysol Choudhury, Labour list MSP for Lothian Region, has been contacted by businesses, residents, and visitors in Leith regarding the escalating issue of anti-social behavior at the Foot of the Walk in Leith.
In response, Mr Choudhury organised an urgent community meeting with Leith Labour Councillor Katrina Faccenda, Police Scotland and local businesses from the Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.
Mr Choudhury has visited the location multiple times, witnessing the anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, which local businesses report as a daily occurrence.
Reports indicate that the behavior, centred around the benches in front of the shopping centre, includes assaults, drug use and the presence of weapons.
After the community meeting, Mr. Choudhury said: “The message from local businesses is clear — urgent action is needed before things deteriorate.
“The cry from local businesses here is clear – urgent action must be taken surrounding the behaviour on these benches outside Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.
“Workers should not have to battle thefts, discarded needles and assaults on a daily basis and members of the public should not have to face intimidation and harassment whilst just trying to pick up their shopping and prescriptions.
“I’ve been liaising with local businesses to hear their concerns and alongside my colleague Cllr Faccenda, we will be pushing for actions which could deter and tackle this behaviour.
“Police Scotland have also been very helpful in providing visibility in the area and suggestions of how we can tackle these incidents.
“I’ve already raised this issue via multiple channels and will continue to do so – by working together and by developing partnerships, I hope we can improve this situation for the local community.”
On Wednesday (10th July 2024), Foysol Choudhury MSP spoke in the National Museum of Scotland at the African and Caribbean Heritage Public Engagement event on mapping heritage through community engagement and cultural performances.
The event included insightful discussions, theatre and musical performances, and a walking tour around Edinburgh to explore the rich African-Caribbean heritage throughout the city.
The event heard Mr Choudhury speak on the importance of celebrating diversity in Scotland, amplifying voices that have historically been ignored, and using arts and culture to educate young people about Scotland’s colonial history and the link to modern racism.
Mr Choudhury said: “Museums, historic attractions, and cultural events are vital forms of education, which can help inform young people on Scotland’s role in the horrors of the British Empire’s colonialism, so they can confront the unfair systems of power at the foundation of our modern society.
“There’s important work happening throughout the culture sector to develop engaging educational experiences on colonialism, including the Glasgow: City of Empire exhibition at Kelvingrove.
“I’m passionate about supporting similar initiatives at cultural institutions across Scotland.
“Sweeping Scotland’s colonial history under the rug will not erase it, and it will not fix modern issues of racism and inequality, which have colonial roots.
“Shedding light on these dark histories and educating young people about Scotland’s colonial past is essential to better prepare the next generation to participate in the important work of anti-racism and building a more progressive, just, and inclusive Scotland.”
As Scottish Labour’s Shadow Culture Minister and as the convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, Mr Choudhury will continue to advocate for anti-racist education and promote equality for all in Scotland.
