THE organiser of the right-wing “pro-UK” rally in Glasgow has broken his silence after he failed to show up at his own event.
Stef Shaw, who is known on Facebook as the “Glasgow Cabbie”, had been facing questions after going quiet online despite having raised almost £2500 to hold the Unionist rally.
The demonstration, which was held in Glasgow’s George Square on September 7, attracted around 200 people including from the fascist Patriotic Alternative. An estimated 2500 people attended a counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism.
The pro-UK rally saw two arrests, one in connection with a hate crime and a second for an offensive weapon, and a Glasgow bar claim it was targeted by “a group of up to 40 right-wing ultras”.
Writing on Facebook just before midnight on Thursday, Shaw claimed the demonstration had been “peaceful and successful,” and promised anyone who donated to his crowdfunder a refund.
He further said he would be considering his “position as a social media writer and campaigner”.
On the Glasgow Cabbie page, Shaw wrote: “Today I must make the most sincere and humble apology to all who travelled to our EnoughisEnough rally at George Square last Saturday for my absence.
“For now I can only tell you I’ve had some rather serious issues that I’m currently dealing with but I can assure all who made any kind of donation to that campaign/rally that you will receive full refunds for your generous donations.
“A huge thanks to our speakers and background organisers who helped tremendously in making this rally a peaceful and successful event, all of you deserve immense credit for the workload you shared with me.
“Those in politics and in the media who called us right wing racists and fascists who would cause riots in Glasgow must have been left reeling as their hopes of having bad press on us had little to write about. The event was well policed.
“On a personal basis, I will now reconsider my position as a social media writer and campaigner following my absence but will make another statement quite soon to make certain all who made donations are repaid in full.
“The pressures of life in general, social media and campaigning can and often do take their toll.
“I feel hugely embarrassed by my non appearance after helping to organise this event during this past month but regret that I’ve let many people down after urging large numbers to come along and support us.
“Please accept my apology as genuine and believe that missing this ProUK event is something I shall always regret.”
