McConnell: race warning

Jack McConnell has vowed to tackle the "new danger" presented by the British National Party.

Addressing trade unionists, the first minister warned that the BNP was hoping to cash in on low turnout in the European elections.

"This June the extremist British National Party will be on every ballot paper in the country," he said.

"I have absolute confidence in the good sense of the Scottish public, that have no truck with the prejudice and hatred these fascist stand for. But I believe these people are at their most dangerous if we ignore them."

Warning of the risks of apathy, he said: "Extremists fare well when no one notices them. When turnout is low, and mainstream public opinion is apathetic.

"I care how people choose to vote on June 10. But I also care that they choose to reject fascism.

"Sixty years ago, the people of Europe defeated fascism. In 2004, we will - with our votes - tell the BNP that Scotland says no to their prejudice and hatred."

Open society

Defending the Scottish Executive's move to recruit foreign workers, the first minister told trade unionists that he would stand firm in the face of extremism.

Ahead of the June 10 European elections, McConnell said Scotland had to welcome those from abroad.

"I want us to be able to tell international companies that, if they want the brightest and the best, they will have to come to Scotland to get them," he said.

"And yes, we will welcome people who are fleeing persecution from unstable states - exactly the kind of people the STUC are already helping with skills and integration. To those new Glaswegians, those new Scots, we say - you are welcome here."

He told the STUC's annual conference that Scotland’s future "depends upon our ability as a nation to look outwards".

"That means welcoming fresh talent here, but it also means that young Scots should have the confidence to pursue opportunities elsewhere too," he said.

Unity call

But he admitted that there were pockets of extremism which would have to be defeated over coming months.

"But the worst thing will be if Scotland speaks with different voices.  That some Scots are welcoming and others are not," McConnell told his audience.

"Scotland has a tradition and a record of rejecting extremism. In the main we are a tolerant nation."

"But we now face a new danger in the months to come."

Tory attack

The first minister also took a calculated sideswipe at his mainstream opponents.

As the prime minister used a Commons statement to announce plans for a referendum on the new EU constitution, McConnell said the June 10 elections will "throw up the usual important political choices".

He said the European election would present an opportunity to distinguish between those "who want to stand up for Scotland within the UK - and those who don’t".

"These are the mainstream political choices facing the Scottish people in June," he said. "Between those who want to stand up for Scotland with Europe and those who want us out."