At a gathering of representatives from across society held in Glasgow today, civic, faith, trade union and political leaders committed to protect democratic values and tackle people’s feeling of being unheard and disempowered.
The event was hosted by John Swinney, the First Minister, who described the pledge as demonstrating a ‘strength of unity’ which reflects the democratic values felt by communities across the country.
The event saw more than 50 leaders – including Bishop Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church – meet to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system. Across the day, there were focused discussions, moderated by civic leaders, addressing areas which contribute to a breakdown in democratic trust, after which participants considered a mission statement that seeks to address some of the issues identified.
Other faith group leaders in attendance were the Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; the Rt Rev Brian McGee, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Argyll & the Isles; Chief Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razaw; and Maureen Sier, Director of Interfaith Scotland.
Image: The Scottish Government