KEITH CRITICISES REGIONAL MSP ALEXANDER STEWART’S ‘NEGATIVE’ SPEECH IN CULTURE DEBATE 

The MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown spoke in a debate on supporting Scotland’s culture Sector in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, 25th of October.  

In the speech, the MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane highlighted numerous organisations within the constituency, including “national cultural highlights, like the Japanese Garden in Cowden, innumerable creative businesses, independent art venues like the Alloa cinema and the MacRobert Arts Centre in Bridge of Allan, which offers a fantastic and wide ranging cultural and creative programme reaching far beyond simply screening films, as well as local creative groups that contribute immensely to public life, like the Dunblane museum or the Leighton library, the first purpose-built library in Scotland.” 

The MSP then went on to welcome First Minister Humza Yousaf’s announcement of an additional £100m of funding for culture and the arts over the next five years – stating that this commitment more than doubles the existing funding, and that this was an immense vote of confidence in the sector by the Scottish Government. 

Keith then took an opportunity to address the constitutional issues affecting Scotland’s culture sector – not least the impact that Brexit has had on Scottish artists seeking to tour the continent, and European artists seeking to tour in Scotland – stating that no deal that the UK has with the EU or individual member states will ever replace the freedom of movement and goods previously available to Scots.  

Mr. Brown also condemned the impact that the Labour and Tory parties’ ‘muscular unionism’ is having on Scotland’s representation abroad, which he stated is having a negative impact on the promotion of Scotland’s unique art and culture offering internationally.   

The regional MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Alexander Stewart, also spoke in the debate. Mr. Brown later branded the speech, which made no reference to the area which Mr. Stewart represents, as ‘negative,’ stating that it was needlessly dismissive of the ‘positive commitment’ to more than double funding for Scotland’s art and culture by the SNP Scottish Government.  

Commenting, Clackmannanshire, and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown said: 
 
“I was glad to speak in the culture debate in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday. It provided a great opportunity for me to highlight the work of many creative organisations from across my constituency of Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.  

“While I welcome the announcement of significant investment in Culture and the arts from the Scottish Government, it is important to also take time to shine a light on the threats facing the sector, and that is why I raised the ongoing impact of Brexit on Scotland’s culture sector, and the usefulness of Scotland’s international presence – much stifled by both UK parties – in promoting Scotland’s unique brand globally.  

“I was particularly disappointed in Alexander Stewart’s speech, which did not mention any organisations in his constituency, and instead focused on casting the extremely positive announcement of £100 million for culture and the arts, in a negative light.”