Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
Swinney announces summit to tackle far-right threat
Activists from Stand Up To Racism Scotland gather in Glasgow's George Square, in a counter protest to a far-right rally, September 7, 2024

SCOTTISH First Minister John Swinney has urged civic society and political leaders to unite against the far right in a move welcomed by trade unionists.

Slamming Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s “fundamentally racist view of the world,” he used his first press conference at his official Bute House residence to call for unity to face the rise of such parties.

Reform UK is now polling third in Scotland, behind the first-placed Scottish National Party and Labour.

“We will continue that fight.

“It is correct that all groups from across civic society — unions, churches, charities and more — must step up and unite to expunge hatred and division from our streets.  

“This requires a commitment across civil society to have the difficult conversations to challenge right-wing ideas within their organisations.”

Ms Foyer said policies from governments to “tackle the economic injustice in our communities, which is a breeding ground for the growth of far-right-wing ideas,” are needed. 

She said: “We must bring people with us and show them the politics of fearmongering, demonising and scapegoating is not the way.

“We cannot belittle. We have united before to defeat fascism.

“We will do it again.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
SNP's Mairi McAllan, June 6, 2025
Scotland / 2 September 2025
2 September 2025
A Green Party supporter holding a placard
Scotland / 29 August 2025
29 August 2025
SEE THE OBVIOUS: A Stand Up To Racism rally outside the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Horley, Surrey, August 23 2025
Aw That / 30 August 2025
30 August 2025

Remembering the 1787 Calton Weavers strike, MATT KERR argues that golden thread of our history needs weaving into the fabric of every community in the land

Similar stories
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar giving a speech at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall in Glasgow, to mark one year to go to the next Holyrood election, May 7, 2025
Scotland / 28 May 2025
28 May 2025
Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage with his party's candidates onstage during a campaign event at Stafford Showground, Stafford, whilst campaigning for this week's local elections, April 30, 2025
Britain / 5 May 2025
5 May 2025
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney during a press conference in Bute House, Edinburgh, April 14, 2025
Britain / 21 April 2025
21 April 2025