THE SNP are set to consider an emergency motion on the recent English far-right riots and the threat of fascism in the UK at the upcoming party conference.
Violent riots engulfed England and Northern Ireland following the murder of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside earlier this month. While they didn’t spread to Scotland, a “pro-UK rally” – touted by former English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson – is planned on September 7.
Now, with the final agenda for the conference now confirmed, SNP Councillor Fatima Joji has told The National that the motion has been proposed and seconded by SNP councillor Graham Campbell.
The pair have reached out to a number of MSPs and have so far secured the backing of Karen Adam.
Joji said the dangers these far-right views pose to democracy are being “downplayed” by some.
“It is more important than ever to challenge these dangerous ideas, especially when they are spread by misinformation,” she added.
“The mainstream media and academics have a key role in addressing the real problems behind far-right movements, like racism and inequality. Our citizens deserve to live in peace, without fear or threats to their safety.
“I hope conference can support this motion to reaffirm that Scotland is welcoming and inclusive, with the well-being and safety of its citizens as a priority."
Campbell, meanwhile, added: “The importance of this mobilisation of our citizens against the threat of fascist violence on our streets for independence supporters can’t be more highly emphasised.
“Non violent direct action by communities to defend communities is essential. By doing so we remove any physical or political space or platform for such hateful racist and Islamophobic views or actions to take place. Let’s all stand together on September 7th and show them just how our People Make Glasgow."
The full motion text is below:
Conference expresses profound horror and sorrow over the brutal murder of three young girls—Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9—during what should have been a joyful Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Conference condemns the far-right extremists who, within hours of this tragedy, cynically exploited it to incite racist and Islamophobic violence, targeting mosques, community centres, and shops across more than 30 English towns and cities, as well as in Belfast. These actions disrupted the grieving process for the families and friends of the three girls, preventing them from mourning with the dignity and peace they deserve.
Conference is concerned by the state of heightened anxiety and alert among people of colour, asylum seekers, and Muslims across the UK due to these events, and the irresponsible spread of lies about so-called ‘Muslim’ perpetrators before any identities have been confirmed.
Conference notes reports that far-right actors in Scotland have threatened to organise in various cities on 7 September via social media. These actions reflect a disturbing continuity of harmful attitudes perpetuated by some in the media and political figures. Conference therefore acknowledges the real and dangerous threat of fascism and emphasises the importance of remaining vigilant against a false sense of security, despite Scotland not yet experiencing the same level of disorder.
Amidst these troubling events, Conference praises the community support for asylum seekers and minorities across Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Conference also commends the proactive stance taken by our First Minister but emphasises that this is only the beginning of the necessary response.
Conference therefore calls on the SNP-led Scottish Government to stand in Parliament in memory of the three murdered girls, reaffirming its commitment to zero tolerance for violence against women and girls, racism, and fascism. Conference also requests the Scottish Government to write to the Prime Minister and UK Government regarding the promotion of democratic values, responsible media reporting, responsive legislation—including on social media—police training, and the proscription of violent far-right groups. Finally, Conference urges everyone to join the peaceful protests on 7 September to oppose violence, racism, and fascism, and to honour the three murdered girls.
