LIB DEMS SLAM DEROGATORY COMMENTS ABOUT VOLUNTARY SECTOR

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 17th Apr 2008

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Robert Brown MSP condemned an SNP MSP's derogatory comments about the voluntary sector, but welcomed parliamentary support for Liberal Democrat proposals for a long term approach to funding the sector.

The SNP Government was defeated in Parliament today. Ministers are coming under pressure to denounce SNP MSP Rob Gibson's description of parts of the voluntary sector as a 'poverty industry' and 'dross' and his dismissive remarks about the legitimate concerns about funding for crucial organisations as the 'usual stuff about tear-jerking, vulnerable and disadvantaged'.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

"At a time when support and development agencies for the voluntary sector report that 'morale is extremely low', and there is 'great anger and disillusionment', today's debate in Parliament should have been an unified display of support for the voluntary sector that provide many critical services.

"Instead, parts of the voluntary sector were subjected to a prolonged rant by SNP MSP Rob Gibson. On behalf of the many organisations that will take offence at these remarks, I will seeking an apology from Mr Gibson and I will be looking to the First Minister and members of his cabinet to denounce these comments.

"I am, however, delighted that the Parliament has lent its support to the Liberal Democrats' amendment calling for a long term view for the voluntary sector. The Scottish Government must now heed the will of Parliament, undertake to provide a review of the 'historic' Concordat with local government in one years time and set out a more stable, long term approach to funding the voluntary sector."

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

A GCVS letter to all MSPs reports that "members say morale is extremely low, and there is great anger and disillusionment; they use terms like 'burn-out' and 'melt-down'."

Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector is the main support / development agency for the voluntary and community sector in Glasgow, and a key agent in local social enterprise.