INDEPENDENCE campaigners have announced a counter-protest after far-right figures said they would hold a “pro-UK” demonstration in Glasgow.
Tommy Robinson was among the far-right figures promoting the Unionist demonstration in Scotland’s largest city on September 7 amid a wave of unrest in England following racist misinformation about stabbings in Southport.
Robinson, who has reportedly fled the UK to evade charges linked to contempt of court, posted on social media: “The British are rising [Union flag emoji].”
The British are rising 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/djsUpoDLRk
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) July 31, 2024
He shared an image promoting a rally in Glasgow’s George Square at 1pm on Saturday, September 7. It stated: “This will remain a peaceful protest to share our distrust and fear of the future.”
Pro-independence group All Under One Banner announced that their planned demonstration in Edinburgh on that same day would now be a counter-protest against the far-right.
“We call for all independence supporters to march in Edinburgh on Sept 7, the same day [as] a pro-UK/ poverty/racism rally in Glasgow,” the group wrote on social media.
“We urge everyone to attend and together show that support for power for the Scottish people far outweighs support for power over them. Be there!”
We call for all independence supporters to march in Edinburgh on 7 Sept, the same day a Pro UK/ Poverty/Racism rally in Glasgow. We urge everyone to attend and together show that support for power for the Scottish people far outweighs support for power over them. Be there! #AUOB pic.twitter.com/BqjhV03QHb
— All Under One Banner (@AUOBNOW) August 1, 2024
A spokesperson for AUOB said it was “vital that those who support Scottish independence attend this demonstration in our nation's capital”.
They told The National that the contrast would be made clear between the “small, hate-fuelled fascist-fest in Glasgow” and the “large, vibrant, all inclusive Scottish display of excellence in Edinburgh”.
“Make sure to attend the national demonstration for self determination at Edinburgh on Saturday September 7. Let's make this a bold display of Scottish self determination that outshines Scotland's foes, rocks the capital, and shakes the decaying walls of Westminster. Be there!”
Stand Up to Racism Scotland have also announced a counterprotest, to be held in Glasgow's George Square at the same time as the "pro-UK" rally.
"Don't let the far-right divide us. Refugees welcome here. Nae Nazis in Glasgow," the group wrote on social media, calling for activists to turn out in George Square at 12pm on Saturday September 7.
"In Glasgow, a rescheduled racist protest now taking place on September 7 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," they added.
The call for far-right demonstrators to turn out in Glasgow comes after more than 100 arrests following riots in Whitehall after misinformation spread online about the perpetrator of a knife attack which killed three children.
The suspect, who turns 18 next Wednesday but cannot be identified for legal reasons linked to his age, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, and had been living in the village of Banks, just outside Southport, at the time of the attack.
However, false claims spread online said that the attacker was Palestinian or Muslim who crossed the Channel in a small boat, feeding riots in English towns and cities.
Demonstrators wearing England flags and waving banners saying “enough is enough” and “stop the boats” congregated outside Downing Street, as well as in Hartlepool and Manchester.
