Thousands rain down opposition on racism

Thousands marched through the streets of Glasgow last weekend armed with placards and posters in protest against racism and fascism.

The annual St Andrews Day Anti-Racism march, organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), saw demonstrators leave Glasgow Green at 11am and parade through wind and rain before staging a rally outside the Glasgow Film Theatre on Rose Street.

Trade unionists, political activists, and faith and community groups were among the protestors to turn up while Humza Yousaf MSP, Michael McMahon MSP, Zita Holbourne of Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh of the Ethnic Minority Women’s Network, and STUC President, Mike Kirby were among the speakers.

Nationalist MSP Humza Yousaf told The Journal he felt the rally had went really well with turnout high despite the blustery weather.

He said: “I think it’s a good symbol that other patron saint days, for example St George’s day, have at times been highjacked by the far-right but ours celebrates cultural diversity. I think that’s a really positive sign and symbol for Scotland.

“It’s very clear we have a lot of demons to fight and overcome, such as sectarianism. But it’s important to realise we still have a lot of positives to be proud of, such as celebrating multiculturalism. I myself am from a Pakistani/Scottish background and have rarely been made to feel unwelcome.

“Scotland has a rich and diverse tartan – it is something we should be proud of and rightly celebrate.”

Holbourne of BARAC added: “I think it’s fantastic there’s an annual event like this in Scotland. It sends out a very clear message that Scottish people will not tolerate fascism or racism.

“It’s really important as well because it builds people’s confidence - people who maybe feel isolated in the work place, schools, colleges - to march alongside several hundred other people, it lets them know that they’re widely supported.”