Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’ in Glasgow

Scottish politicians have come together in condemnation of the far right after the co-founder of the English Defence League (EDL) Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, promoted a rally in Glasgow.  

The far right figure, who has multiple convictions for different offences, posted about a “pro-UK rally” set to take place in George Square in September.  

Writing about the rally on social media he said “the British are rising”, while promotional posts from organisers, urging attendees to “stand together to protect our country”.  

In wake of the knife attack in Southport, more than 100 people have been arrested during several violent demonstrations in Southport, London, Manchester and Hartlepool.  

One protest took place outside of a mosque in Southport following false reports that the 17-year-old charged with the murder of three children and attempted murder of many more was a Muslim.  

Yaxley-Lennon, who is subject to an arrest warrant after leaving the country ahead of a legal case against him, has not indicated whether he will attend the protest in Glasgow.  

Former first minister Humza Yousaf posted to social media website X accusing the far right of “using violence to terrorise the public and draw attention to their hateful, racist ideology”.  

Commenting on recent rhetoric, he added it is “time we confront them [the far right], not appease them”.  

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said that the council had no knowledge of any such rally taking place, adding that “Tommy Robinson and his ilk” are “not welcome in Glasgow”.  

Aitken posted to X: "Glasgow City Council has received no notification of any rally but then we know Tommy Robinson and his ilk don’t really care about respecting laws or public places. 

"He’s not welcome in Glasgow and neither is anyone who chooses to align with his poisonous rhetoric." 

Scottish Green co-leader and Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie made similar comments, saying that the far right had shown “contempt” for “the grieving community [in Southport]” and they should not be allowed to promote “their toxic values unchallenged”.  

Harvie said: “The last few days have shown clearly the contempt the far right have for a grieving community, and they must not be allowed to continue to promote their toxic values unchallenged. I have no doubt that those of us who stand against them will far outnumber them if they do gather in Glasgow.  

“However, Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland must now consider how to respond to the threat of far right activists to bring their violence to Glasgow. What has been seen in Southport, London and elsewhere this week must not be brought to George Square.” 

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the far right of trying to “hijack” the issue for “their own political objectives”.  

Sarwar added that despite these extreme views being present among a small number of Glasgow’s population the city has “overwhelmingly rejected them”. 

Sarwar said: "The most important people in all of this is the families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The parents who are worried about their kids still in intensive care. And a community that's hurting right now. 

"Our first priority should be giving those people the space, the love, the support and the resources they need. 

"The attempt by the far right to hijack that issue for their own political objectives is utterly reprehensible and disgusting. Those that are attempting to incite violence, or engage in violence, have to face the full force of the law. 

"There is responsibility on the police to make sure that happens. There is also a responsibility on the social media companies because so much of the misinformation is happening on these platforms." 

He added: "Glasgow is my city. And I know as a Glaswegian, we can't be complacent, we can't pretend there aren't issues here. But we have always been a city that, regardless of where you come from, regardless of where you were born, when you come here you are one of us. 

"There have been attempts by the far right before to do protests here, or to stoke divisions here. And every single time the far right has tried to do that in Glasgow, Glasgow has overwhelmingly rejected them. 

"And I have no doubt Glasgow will do that again, if this happens."