Far-right riot planned for Glasgow

Supporters of the far right, backed by Tommy Robinson, are planning a “pro-UK” rally in Glasgow on September 7th. This comes after a wave of unrest in England following the spread of disinformation after the Southport stabbings, which claimed the lives of three young girls, 

Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, posted on social media, “The British are rising (Union flag emoji).” This was followed by an image promoting a rally in Glasgow’s George Square at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 7th. The image stated, “This will remain a peaceful protest to share our distrust and fear of the future.” 

This rally followed a series of protests that occurred throughout England. During those demonstrations, the far-right protestors damaged houses and cars, attacked police and set fire to the ground floor of a hotel in which asylum seekers were being housed. 

This series of protests and the call for a Glasgow rally comes after over 100 arrests have been made following the riots in Whitehall.

MSPs and Campaign groups throughout Scotland have urged the public to “stand firm against fascists”, and a counter-rally has been planned to take place at George Square on September 7th against the “pro-Uk” protestors. 

Niall Christie, who stood as the Scottish Green candidate in Glasgow South during the General Election, posted on X: “If you’re in Glasgow and are able, you have a responsibility to mobilise against this mob coming to our city. 

“We must stand firm against fascists and show the far-right they’re not welcome here.” 

Paul Sweeny, Labour MSP for Glasgow, stated that the violence witnessed in the streets of England “cannot be allowed to play out” in Glasgow. 

He said: “As ever, the people of Glasgow wholeheartedly and unequivocally reject far-right attempts to divide our city. 

“Robinson’s cynical exploitation of the horrific tragedy in Southport as a rallying cry for his toxic agenda will only be met with a groundswell of Glaswegians turning out to show that our city stands against racism and hatred.

“While there will rightly be a significant counter-protest, it is vital that people do not give in to far-right provocations and ensure that Robinson and his interlopers are shown the door peacefully.” 

Tommy Sheridan, the campaigner for Hope Over Fear, which has run peaceful pro-independence marches for many years, had planned an Independence rally in Edinburgh for the same date but has now urged supporters to turn their attention to Glasgow and “oppose the hate fest of racists and fascists who are planning to occupy our public square”. 

He wrote on Facebook: ‘No fascists here should be our unifying call to everyone.”

The Hope Over Fear campaign posted, via X, details of a counter-demo being organised by Stand Up To Racism Scotland, stating: “We need to mobilise as many decent people as possible.” 

Stand Up To Racism Scotland said Robinson’s far-right thugs were trying to create “a climate of violence against Muslims, migrants and minorities.

“In Glasgow, a rescheduled racist protest now taking place in September wants to bring this hate to our city. 

“Disguised as a “pro-UK” rally ‘to defend our country’, in reality, this is a rallying call for all those who want to make society less united, safe and diverse.” 

The planned far-right rally in Glasgow has sparked significant concern and opposition from political figures, campaign groups, and the public. The call for a peaceful counter-rally reflects the firm determination of many to stand against racism, division, and hatred.