JEREMY Corbyn has set out what he has called a "transformative" vision for the arts as he continues his campaign in Scotland to retain the Labour leadership.
With the backdrop of the international Edinburgh arts festival, the party leader launched his culture policy for government, which includes a pledge to “reverse Tory real terms cuts to arts expenditure and restore grant in aid funding of the Arts Council” working within Labour’s so-called fiscal crediblity rule, which aims to balance day-to-day spending with the amount raised in taxes.
Labour pointed out that since 2010, Creative Scotland had lost £4.1 million; overall, the loss to arts bodies in Scotland, England and Wales was almost £43m, the party claimed.
Mr Corbyn said a future Labour government under his leadership would introduce a cross-departmental cabinet committee to increase participation in the arts and culture.
''Drawing on Britain's rich cultural heritage, Labour under my leadership will commit to extending access and participation in the arts to all people and all communities across Britain.”
He went on: ''There is creativity in all of us but we need to give people the opportunities for this creativity to flourish. 'Central to Labour's vision to rebuild and transform Britain must be a radical, transformative vision for the arts.
''Labour will reverse Tory cuts to arts expenditure and set out a bold and inspiring policy programme for the arts building on our proud cultural heritage,'' declared the Islington MP.
Mr Corbyn will this evening attend a campaign rally in Dundee to boost support for his leadership campaign among Scottish Labour Party members, after admitting he was "disappointed" not to have the support of leader Kezia Dugdale, who is backing challenger Owen Smith.
During a fiery hustings in Glasgow on Thursday night, the Welsh MP bemoaned how Scottish Labour had “gone backwards” under Mr Corbyn’s leadership, going from second to third behind Ruth Davidson’s Tories. He also expressed concern when some members of the audience laughed and jeered when he expressed support for Ms Dugdale.
However, the biggest clash came on Europe when Mr Smith accused Mr Corbyn of weak leadership, of never supporting Britain’s membership of the EU and even questioned whether the party leader had voted for Remain. The party leader responded angrily, urging the Pontypridd MP to take a “grown-up” attitude to the debate and insisting he had voted for Britain to stay in but that the democratic vote had to be respected; Mr Smith wants a second referendum.
Three more televised hustings in September are planned ahead of the announcement of the contest winner on September 24.
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