17-09-04

Barrett to raise local racist attack with Home Secretary

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today promised to raise directly with the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, a racist attack that has taken place in his constituency.
 
A new build house in Silverknowes, recently bought by an Asian family, was covered in abusive racist graffiti.  The signature of the British National Front, an openly racist group, was also written across the front of the house. 
 
The family have yet to decide if they will go ahead with buying the house because of the attack, which has been widely condemned by residents and community leaders.
 
Now, the local MP, Mr Barrett said he would be raising the issue directly with the Home Secretary, David Blunkett.  He argued that there had to be aUKwide strategy to ensure a message was sent out loud and clear that these kind of attacks are unacceptable.
 
Commenting, Mr Barrett said:
 
“In the near 10 years I have been an elected politician, I have never known such a horrific and disgraceful attack inWest Edinburgh. This kind of thuggery has no place in this or any other community.  I know these offensive comments which were scrawled across the house are in no way representative of the views of people in Silverknowes.
 
“I know the police will be taking every step they can to find the culprits. sHowever, there is a wider issue that requires the Government and the devolved administrations to work together to address.  The message has to be a simple one, this kind of harassment and defamation will not be tolerated, either inEdinburghor in any part of theUK.
 
ENDS