THE leader of Glasgow City Council has said she was “really pleased” to see a small turnout from “far-right” groups at a rally in Glasgow.
A counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) took place in George Square on Saturday afternoon in opposition to a “pro-UK” rally which had been promoted by Tommy Robinson.
Campaigners with SUTR outnumbered those on the “pro-UK” side with police putting up barriers in the square to separate the two groups.
Speaking to The National, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “I’m really pleased today that the turnout from the far-right is very small.
“I’m advised by colleagues in Police Scotland that around 150 of them have shown up. Clearly, it is many, many, many times that number of people who have come along to make their voices heard against the far-right and for solidarity and unity in our great, multicultural, diverse city of Glasgow.”
We previously told how protesters had mocked Tommy Robinson, with one person chanting “Tommy’s on the beach”.
Prior to the rally, Aitken had already said that Robinson was not welcome in the city after promoting the demonstration on his social media.
The councillor added: “There hasn’t been any trouble so far. We’re now quite far into the event so I’m hoping that things will all pass off peacefully and I think it’s probably been the best outcome that we could have had today.”
Earlier this week, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said a policing plan was in place and violence and disorder would be dealt with "swiftly and robustly".
NEW: Police push back far-right protesters at today's rally in Glasgow. Hundreds of Stand Up to Racism campaigners are also in George Square for a counter-protest. pic.twitter.com/UBjvnymvTf
— The National (@ScotNational) September 7, 2024
He said: "We are aware of a planned protest in George Square, Glasgow, on Saturday, September 7, and a proportionate policing plan is in place.
"Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation and we have been engaging directly with the protest groups to ensure public safety, while balancing their right to peacefully demonstrate.
"Violence and disorder are not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly."
