POLITICS of hate and division must have no place in Scotland, Patrick Harvie has told counter-protesters ahead of a rally in Glasgow this weekend.
The Scottish Greens co-leader will be speaking ahead of a rally organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) in response to a “pro-UK” far-right demonstration.
Whilst organisers deny that the “pro-UK” rally is far-right or racist it has been promoted by prominent far-right figures including Tommy Robinson and was set up in the wake of violence across England and Northern Ireland last month.
SUTR has claimed the organisers of the “pro-UK” rally have ties with individuals and organisations with a history of Islamophobia, anti-semitism and activism in fascist groups.
The counter-rally, organised by activists, trade unions and community groups is set for 12pm in George Square, Glasgow, in a bid to overshadow the far-right demonstration.
Speaking ahead of the counter-rally, Harvie (below) has warned that Glasgow has a proud multicultural history that will not tolerate any division or hatred.
He said: “There should be no place in Glasgow or Scotland for the toxic mix of fear, hate and division that the far-right promotes. The violence and criminality we saw from them across the rest of the UK last month was shameful and must never be allowed to take root here.
“Glasgow’s a multicultural city with a long, proud history of standing up against the far right. We saw it when the English Defence League tried to stir up hate, we saw it when residents stood up to the Home Office at Kenmure Street, and we’re seeing it again here today.
“But we need to be clear that this threat runs far deeper than the likes of Tommy Robinson. Racist, anti-immigrant and anti-asylum attitudes have been deliberately cultivated by large parts of the UK’s media and political landscape. Even now, as radicalised racists are being sentenced in the courts for the violence of recent weeks, mainstream politicians and pundits are still promoting the same far right rhetoric that unleashed such chaos.
“We can never be complacent about the threat the far right poses, especially after being emboldened by the actions of the UK Government over the last 14 years. Wherever this threat arises communities must come together and face it down.”
Other speakers at the counter-protest include Jonathon Shafi of Stop the War Coalition Scotland, Linda Somerville of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Dr Issam Hijjawi of the Palestine Democratic Forum, and several other trade unionists and campaign group leaders.
Organisers confirmed figures from the SNP and Scottish Labour would also be speaking on the day, but did not specify names.
The counter-protest has also received endorsements from political figures, campaigners and celebrities.
Comedian Janey Godley (below), Irish rap trio Kneecap and singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill are among those backing the rally.
A total of nine trade unions have also endorsed the rally, encouraging members to show up in solidarity on Saturday.
