STUC general secretary Roz Foyer and SNP First Minister John Swinney have united to fight the scourge of fascism and racism.

At the the pair’s biannual meeting today, Ms Foyer continued to press the case for a just transition for the tens of thousands of Scottish workers dependent on the fossil fuel industry, as well argue for sustained investment in public services and a united front ahead of the Labour government’s first budget in October.

In a statement after the meeting, Ms Foyer said: “Ahead of the Chancellor’s [Rachel Reeves] Budget, it’s clear that investment in our public services must be an urgent priority across all nations of the UK.

“Barnett consequentials deriving from the Chancellor must be handed to the Scottish government in full and immediately redistributed to enhance our NHS, local government and other vital services.”

Turning to the far-right threat in the wake of the race riots seen in England and in Belfast in recent weeks, Mr Swinney emphasised the need for unity amid reports that far-right fascist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, aka Tommy Robinson, was attempting to rally support in Glasgow on September 7,

After the meeting, Mr Swinney stated trade unions had a “long and proud history” of standing up to racism.

“The Scottish government and STUC are aligned in our support of communities across the UK that have faced violence and intimidation instigated by far-right groups,” he said.

“Scotland is a diverse, multicultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation.

“There is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice, including Islamophobia, wherever and whenever it appears.”

Issuing the joint STUC-Scottish government statement, Ms Foyer said: “Alongside the Scottish government, we jointly condemn the recent, inexcusable violence and disorder perpetuated by the far right across the UK.

“Scotland is not immune and we cannot become complacent.

“We must do all we can to oppose the far right, including reaching out to our faith and migrant communities to offer solidarity, support and the reassurance that they enrich the social and cultural fabric of our nation.

“Scotland is their home. We stand with them.”

She added: “We’re pleased the First Minister recognises the role of our movement in opposing fascism and racism.

“That work continues. We won’t cower to hatred and prejudice.

“We will work with the Scottish government to ensure inclusivity, respect and tolerance triumphs over persecution and ignorance and will oppose, across every village and town, those who wish to divide us.”