Jeremy Corbyn to pledge government that will fight for racism-free society

Jeremy Corbyn will say the country needs a government that will “fight for a society free from racism and discrimination'' on the final day of his Scottish campaign tour.

The Labour leader will pledge that a Labour government would honour the UK's international legal and moral obligations by taking its fair share of refugees.

He will also say that a Labour Government will immediately guarantee the rights of all EU nationals living in the UK, and will pledge a zero tolerance approach to hate crime.

The Labour leader will meet activists in Musselburgh, East Lothian, on Sunday before attending an event at the Edinburgh Fringe and later speaking at the Rock Against Racism festival in Glasgow.

Mr Corbyn is expected to say: “Tory cuts and austerity have affected everyone but have disproportionately hurt the poorest, the young, women, LGBT people and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.

“Instead of causing such harm, we need a government that will fight for a society free from racism and discrimination, where people are free to live their lives.

“We will immediately guarantee the rights of all EU nationals living in the UK. People are not bargaining chips. It is disgraceful that the Conservative Government treated them this way - and sent letters threatening to deport some of them.

“The world faces an almost unprecedented refugee crisis. Britain has a proud tradition as a place of safety for those forced to flee their homes by war, famine or disaster.

“The next Labour government will be proud to honour our international legal obligations - and our moral duty - to offer safety to our fair share of refugees.''

Mr Corbyn has been targeting marginal seats held by the SNP on his five-day tour of Scotland.

On Sunday he is expected to say: “Hate crime is a shocking reality facing many in our country. We should be appalled by it - and its rise since the EU referendum.

“Labour would adopt a zero tolerance approach to hate crime, including that motivated by religion, race, sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We can, and we will, build a better country, based on an economy, society and politics that represents all and works for the many not the few.''

Earlier this week the Home Office said: “A limited number of letters were issued in error.

“We are absolutely clear that the rights of EU nationals living in the UK remain unchanged.''

The Government outlined in June its offer to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK.