PRO-INDEPENDENCE groups are being urged to turn out in Glasgow on the day of a far-right rally in the city next month.
Members of the SNP, the Scottish Greens and non-partisan independence groups have all endorsed a statement issued by the Radical Independence Campaign, which calls on supporters to show a united front against racism and Islamophobia on September 7.
The far-right agitator Tommy Robinson has been among figures promoting the “pro-UK” rally set to take place on George Square at 1pm.
An image shared by Robinson states that it will “remain a peaceful protest to share our distrust and fear of the future”.
It comes after far-right protesters rioted in Southport and Sunderland after misinformation spread on social media in the wake of the Southport stabbing, which saw three children killed.
Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is accused of the attack and appeared in court earlier this week.
On Friday night, three police officers were hospitalised by rioters who set fire to buildings and targeted a mosque.
An All Under One Banner protest scheduled to take place on the same day in Edinburgh has already re-branded as a counter-protest against the far-right.
The statement from the Radical Independence Campaign read: “The Radical Independence Campaign urges independence supporters across Scotland to rally in Glasgow on Saturday, September 7, to challenge Tommy Robinson and his far-right mob.
“The ‘pro-UK rally’ set to take place in George Square is being organised and supported by the same extremists who orchestrated recent scenes of violence and destruction in the likes of Southport, Hartlepool and Aldershot — targeting Muslims and refugees in particular.
“The same extremists have targeted the trans community on the streets of London, as at Trans Pride in July.
“We cannot stand by as these forces converge on Glasgow to spread racial and religious hatred.
“There must be the greatest possible turnout of people opposed to racism and Islamophobia.
“If independence is a progressive project that breaks with the UK’s shameful record of racism and imperialism, then the most important place for any independence supporter to be on September 7 is in Glasgow.
“No other demonstration takes precedence over our collective responsibility to defend our friends, neighbours and co-workers from marginalised communities.
“RIC will work in tandem with others across the independence movement, the left and other social movements to build the largest possible mobilisation on the day.
“We urge organisations and activists who share our commitment to get in touch on contact@ric.scot.”
The rally already has the backing of SNP councillor Graham Campbell, Scottish Green councillors Dan Hutchison and Seonad Hoy as well as former Green candidate Niall Christie, and secretary of the SNP trade union group Simon Barrow.
A spokesperson for the Glasgow Green Party said: “This is not an issue of party politics.
“This is an opportunity for the city to come together and take a stand for humanity, for diversity, and for every person who calls Glasgow their home.
“The far-right are a huge danger to the public, aided and abetted by anti-migrant, racist and outright bigoted language from the right-wing press – and sadly, from many politicians who will take no responsibility for their actions.
“It could not be more important to make it clear that Glasgow is a welcoming city. One that stands against racists and fascists without hesitation.
“Greens believe this requires a united front – now, on September 7, and every day from then on.”
