HARRIET HARMAN VISITS SCOTLAND
EQUALITY TOP OF AGENDA

Harriet Harman, Cabinet Minister for Women and Equality, today visits Scotland for a major programme of meetings with Scotland’s leading equality campaigners.

The Minister’s visit aims to strengthen the longstanding links between those (both north and south of the border) who campaign for equality, and against unfairness and discrimination.

Ms Harman will meet members of the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee; Morag Alexander, Scotland Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commision; and STUC Women’s Committee.

Ms Harman will also hear about One Scotland, Scotland’s anti-racism campaign, and visit violence against women charity Zero Tolerance, where she will learn about its ‘Respect’ programme.

Ms Harman set out the Ministers for Women’s priorities in July last year. These are: Supporting families, particularly as they bring up children and care for older and disabled relatives; tackling violence against women and improving the way we deal with women who commit crimes; and empowering black and minority ethnic women to build cohesion within their communities and as a bridge between communities.

The Minister’s visit aims to build UK wide work to make progress on these key aims. She will also talk and listen to shoppers during her visit. She will be guest of Nigel Griffith MP at a Burns Night supper in Edinburgh on Friday evening.

Harriet Harman said: 
"We've made much progress, but too many women still live in fear of domestic violence and we must step up our fight against discrimination and unfairness. Campaigners North and South of the border have always worked together, gained strength from each other shared experience and learned lessons of how to go forward."

Minister with responsibility for Equality in Scotland, Stewart Maxwell said:
“The Scottish Government is delighted to welcome the UK Cabinet Minister for Women and Equality. Like the UK Government, we are committed to tackling prejudice and discrimination and challenging the systems, behaviours and attitudes that cause and sustain them. 

“This visit will provide a valuable opportunity to share views, ideas and experiences with the Minister and inform her about the excellent work we are doing here in Scotland.”

Media enquiries

Please contact Victoria Francis on 0207 276 0996 Victoria.francis@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk

Notes for editors

• The Equal Opportunities Committee’s remit is to consider and report on matters relating to equal opportunities and upon the observance of equal opportunities within the Parliament.
• Morag Alexander is the Scotland Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The Commission for Equality and Human Rights was set up by the Equality Act 2006. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has been established to bring a new, inclusive approach to promoting equality and human rights and provide more effective support for our discrimination legislation.
• One Scotland, the Scottish Government's anti-racism campaign, is designed to tackle racism. It aims to raise awareness of racist attitudes and highlight its negative impact, to make Scotland no place for racism.
• Zero Tolerance is a national charity promoting innovative policy and practice to tackle the root causes of male violence against women and children. It uses a primary prevention approach, seeking to prevent violence from happening by examining and challenging its root causes.
• As Leader of the House of Commons, Ms Harman will also meet Alex Ferguson MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.