GLASGOW anti-fascists stood firm in a 10-hour stand-off and finally sent the far-right Great British National Strike packing on Saturday.

Fifty years to the day since Scottish trade unionists united to picket a meeting of the fascist National Front at the city’s Kingston Halls, several hundred anti-racists faced off against 350 gathering in support of the far-right front Great British National Strike.

While many of those standing with the far right labelled themselves “concerned grandmothers” drafted in from across Scotland, among their number were a handful of fascist agitators, including a known commander in the loyalist terrorist organisation the UDA and a known former National Front member.

Anti-racist groups held the line until 10.30pm, by which time far-right numbers had dwindled to about half a dozen, who soon left “tired and demoralised.”

Hailing it as a significant victory, Stand Up to Racism’s Phil Taylor told the Star: “The far-right Great British Strike had promised to rally its supporters on the Buchanan Street steps, taking control of a space that is totemic for trade union, anti-war, pro-Palestine assemblies. 

“They failed, as several hundred counterdemonstrators from all walks of life linked arms blocking them. 

“Repeated appeals to the police to disperse the rapidly dwindling number fell on deaf ears. 

“After 10 hours of protest, of speeches, chants, music and dance, anti-racists scored their second victory when six bedraggled racists were eventually moved on.”

In a challenge to both activists and police, Mr Taylor said: “Lessons must be learned. Our mobilisations against the far right, some giving Nazi salutes, making racist and misogynistic insults and physical threats, must be bigger. 

“Political pressure must be brought to bear on the police to stop indulging racists disseminating hate and division and inciting violence.”