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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Abbi Garton-Crosbie

Scottish Family Party leader slammed for far-right interview at gender reform protest

THE leader of the Scottish Family Party has been criticised for taking part in an interview with a prominent figure from a far-right group. 

Richard Lucas, who leads the party, took part in a video interview with Patriotic Alternative (PA) Scotland's organiser Simon Crane, The Ferret reports

We previously told how PA unfurled a 'White Lives Matter' banner at the top of Ben Nevis to the horror of witnesses. 

The far-right group has also been accused of misogynistic abuse by two former female members. 

It has been revealed that the interview took place during a demonstration against Scotland's gender reforms outside of the Scottish Parliament on January 12, organised by SFP and Stef Shaw, known as the "Glasgow Cabbie".

Crane also interviewed Niall Fraser, a former candidate for All for Unity, George Galloway's party, and described him as a "rising star" in the SFP. 

The National: The Scottish Family party have repeatedly held protests against the gender reform billThe Scottish Family party have repeatedly held protests against the gender reform bill

We previously told how those protesting against the Gender Recognition Reform Bill called activists who supported the reforms "rapists and paedophiles".

Our footage from the event led to Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie calling for a police investigation. 

A Scottish Greens spokesperson told The Ferret: “Patriotic Alternative is an extreme and hateful group that peddles misinformation and prejudice. The fact that they would want to speak to and promote the Scottish Family Party tells us everything we need to know about both of them.”

SFP leader Lucas said Crane was a member of the political party but left to join PA due to his "ethno-nationalist political stance".

“Our view is that ethno-nationalism is a dead end that can generate tension and hostility but struggles to offer any practical way forward in tackling some real issues that exist in the UK with regard to integration, shared values and common culture," he added. 

Lucas told The Ferret that he takes “any opportunity to present the SFP to a new audience” and would “probably” speak to PA again.

He added: “The last thing that people involved in such organisations need is isolation.

“I would be happy to discuss any common ground and, more importantly, to seek to challenge and persuade adherents to reconsider their views.”

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