The Scottish Defence League’s (SDL) threats to march on multi-cultural Pollokshields, Glasgow, proved pathetic on Saturday as over 300 anti-fascists outnumbered the racists ten-to-one. The EDL didn’t turn up to support their pals north of the border and the SDL were promptly marched to the police station.
The anti-fascist, counter-demonstration was as diverse as Pollockshields itself. Numerous speakers from the trade union movement, faith groups, community organisations, and politicians stated that the SDL were not welcome in any community in Scotland. Speakers, including Humza Yousaf, MSP, as well as Glasgow Central MP and deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar, stressed the need to stand against the SDL when they did appear.
The SDL is now threatening to march in Edinburgh on Saturday 17 August (during the Edinburgh Festival). The local council has announced it does not intend to ban them and anti-fascists in Scotland are planning to build on the successes of Pollokshields in organising a counter-demonstration on the day.