ANTI-FASCISTS will turn out in force to oppose a far-right rally in Glasgow tomorrow.
Nine trade unions, faith organisations and Irish rap trio Kneecap are among those supporting the Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) counterprotest in the city’s George Square.
An anti-immigration “Pro-UK” rally is due to take place in the same square. Called by Stef Shaw, who goes by the name of “Glasgow Cabbie,” the far-right gathering has the backing of Tommy Robinson, the co-founder of the now defunct English Defence League.
Violence exploded when 15,000 people marched to Downing Street shouting racist slurs in a fascist rally organised by Mr Robinson — real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — in July.
He was one of many far-right agitators who exploited July’s fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport to spread racist lies and incite riots nationwide.
The wave of unrest saw rioters attempt to murder refugees in a hotel by trying to set it alight, while hate crimes against Muslims tripled.
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken, in a motion published this week, has said that fascist ringleaders such as Mr Robinson are “not welcome” in the city.
“Council further deplores attempts by some Members of the UK Parliament and sections of the media to justify, excuse or downplay far-right activity,” the motion says.
Tomorrow’s counterprotest, which has council approval, will hear from a range of speakers from noon onwards.
SUTR Scotland convener Talat Ahmed said: “Our rally is about celebrating and defending multiculturalism and diversity and saying loud and clear that refugees are welcome here and aren’t to blame for the problems in society.
“And that the far right, with their toxic politics of hate and division, are not welcome in Scotland.”
STUC deputy general secretary Linda Somerville said: “We have long warned that the far right poses a dangerous threat in the UK, spreading racist hate amongst communities that are often marginalised and under-resourced.
"The cruel impacts of austerity, compounded by the drip feed of anti-migrant rhetoric from parts of the media and some politicians, has created these conditions.
“Trade unions have a long history of defending our communities against fascists and racists and will proudly join the rally in Glasgow to show racists that they have no place here.”
