That's why we are introducing the Equality Bill at Westminster - but one part is being blocked by the SNP.

It's the part of the bill that makes public bodies think about the impact of their actions on poverty and inequality. To give it a fancy name, it is the "socio-economic duty".

Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP minister responsible, says it isn't needed here in Scotland. We don't agree. We think everyone has a duty to tackle inequality and poverty. The Scottish Parliament's own Equal Opportunities Committee didn't want it dismissed out of hand - so wanted the people of Scotland to be consulted on whether this key measure should apply here too.

Please sign our petition, and take to opportunity to have your say by  making a submission to the consultation. 

- Johann Lamont MSP
Labour's Deputy Leader in the Scottish Parliament

We are encouraging people and organisations to make a submission to the SNP Government's consultation. The SNP will be forced to publish the responses and we can show strong support for this plan.

Anyone in Scotland can make a submission. You can either answer the questions asked, or your can send in your own response.

You can do it as an individual or as a group, organisation or charity.

You can see the consultation document here (opens a new window).

Labour has today accused the SNP of “walking past poverty”, as a consultation is launched on whether or not to extend a key aspect of the Equality Bill to Scotland.

The so-called “socio-economic duty” means public bodies like health boards and councils will have to play a role in reducing the gap between rich and poor in England. But the SNP have refused to apply the provision in Scotland, arguing that it is unnecessary.

The Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee agreed unanimously that the Scottish Government should consult on this measure and the Scottish Government has now responded to that pressure.

Johann Lamont, Labour’s spokesperson on Equalities and deputy leader in the Scottish Parliament, has today urged organisations across Scotland to contribute to the current consultation on the Equality Bill.

Speaking from Balnornock as she campaigned in the Glasgow North East by-election, Johann Lamont MSP said:

“The SNP are just walking past poverty. The sad reality is that they are just not doing enough to end inequality.

“Here is a groundbreaking measure to tackle inequality at a grassroots level. But Nicola Sturgeon says we don’t need it in Scotland.

“I am glad she has responded to pressure and at last launched a consultation on whether this measure should apply to Scotland.

”I am urging organisations across Scotland to take part in this consultation to show support for a socio economic duty should be included in the Bill.

“If we are successful, it will mean that public bodies such as health boards and local councils would have to ensure that their policies, practices and spending meet the needs of poorer members of our society.

“By putting that duty onto statute book we can ensure that it remains a binding responsibility irrespective of whichever party is in power for generations to come.”

Willie Bain, Labour’s candidate in the Glasgow North East by-election said:

“This will be a key issue in the by-election. Housing, poverty and inequality are problems which every part of society must tackle. They are deeply engrained, and not easy to tackle. But there is no excuse for not trying.

“Grand words are not enough. Actions matter, and the SNP just aren’t doing enough.

“People will just not understand why the SNP are opposed to such an simple but important measure.

“If it is good enough for the rest of the UK, why should it be any different in Scotland?

“I urge my SNP opponent to speak out on this issue and tell Nicola Sturgeon that she is wrong on this issue.”

13 August 2009