Thousands will mobilise against the far right
Anti-racism campaigners in Scotland have condemned the fascist violence that has taken hold in some UK cities.
Over the past week, far right and criminal mobs – stirred up by mainstream right-wing rhetoric and online racist and Islamophobic agitators spreading disinformation – have attacked mosques and hotels hosting asylum seekers.
So far the violence has been in cities in England and also in Belfast.
Campaigners in Scotland are calling for action to ensure there are no similar scenes in Scotland, and are planning to take to the streets in defiance and solidarity.
Scottish anti-racism charity Positive Action In Housing released a statement condemning the fascist violence.
It reads: “We are sickened by the racist and Islamophobic mob violence that we have witnessed this past weekend.
“These crimes are clearly orchestrated to terrorise people of colour, whether we are refugees, asylum seekers or tax-paying citizens.
“Inciting violence is a criminal offence whether online or offline. Those who use incendiary rhetoric for likes and follows at such a sensitive time must be held accountable.
“People of colour are terrified of being targeted.
“We call on the Scottish Government to ensure that the far right is not allowed to mobilise in any Scottish town or city.
“There is a difference between legitimate peaceful protest and mob violence. We need hypervigilance and security around places of worship and asylum centres.
“Scotland is a nation of immigrants of all faiths and none.
“People who are forced to seek refuge in this country are desperate to workand pay their way.
“They do not want handouts or to stay in hotels. UK asylum policy forbids them from working.
“The hostile environment continues to hold immigrants back. These policies have cost this country billions of pounds in lost taxes, making it easy to scapegoat the most vulnerable in our society.”
Others speaking out include Satwat Rehman, chief executive of One Parent Families Scotland.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, she wrote: “Growing up, we were subjected to hate, violence, exclusion. Racists & fascists marched on our streets, & emboldened many to attack us & our homes. We fought back - neighbours & friends stood with us then and do so now. Solidarity and love to all those fighting fascism.”
The Govan Community Project said: “To those in our communities targeted or living in fear, we send a message of hope, strength and solidarity. We also send a reminder that our communities have demonstrated time and time again that refugees are welcome here.”
Meanwhile, Bond - the UK network for NGOs - said: "Marginalised communities fleeing violence, conflict, climate change, and poverty deserve to feel safe, whether they are seeking refuge here in the UK or anywhere else in the world.
"We stand in solidarity with local communities across the UK who are supporting each other during these devastating times, and are pushing back against racist, Islamophobic rhetoric and violence, as well as the systemic racism that underlies it."
The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights has backed, on X, a demo by Stand Up To Racism Scotland (SUTR).
This will see anti-racists, trade unionists, faith groups and many more unite in Glasgow’s George Square ahead of a so-called ‘patriot’ meeting there, which has been backed and promoted by online fascist agitators.
The mass gathering, under the banner of don’t let the far right divide us, is at noon on Saturday, 7 September.
There are other actions called for this week, to meet a rapidly changing situation. This Saturday, 10 August, there will be solidarity demos in towns across Scotland.
See SUTR’s social media for more details or go here.
