Hundreds gather in Glasgow to oppose 'mass deportation' rally

Glasgow Times

2 days ago

The party's latest leader Nick Tenconi has organised what has been called a "mass deportation tour" in cities across the UK.
Ukip previously gave notice that it intended to hold a march and rally in Glasgow city centre today (July 26).
READ NEXT: March in Glasgow this month set to be met with counter protest
Ukip 'mass deportation' rally on George Street (Image: Newsquest) Ahead of the event, Tenconi posted on X: "Patriots stand with us on Saturday at 1.30pm in Glasgow - join us on our crusade to liberate Scotland."
A crowd of around 150 people taking part gathered outside the AC Hotel and City Chambers on George Street on Saturday afternoon.
They sang Rule Britannia and chanted "send them home" while holding signs with slogans including "secure our borders" and "being white is not a hate crime".
(Image: Newsquest) The section of George Street where the crowd was gathered was closed by police, with pedestrians trying to pass the crowd told to use a detour.
This was met with frustration by some who wanted to join the rally.
Meanwhile, hundreds of anti-racism protestors gathered on Buchanan Street from around 12pm to protest the demo.
READ NEXT: Calls made to ban 'dangerous' march in Glasgow city centre this week
Ukip protest on George Street (Image: Newsquest) The Glasgow Times previously reported Stand Up To Racism had organised a counter-demonstration to halt the march.
The large crowd was heard chanting: "Say it loud and say it clear, refugees are welcome here."
The crowd held signs up statements such as "we're no 'island of strangers'", "stop racist Reform UK" and "migrants make our NHS."
Stand Up to Racism counter-protest on Buchanan Street (Image: Newsquest) The Ukip march initially intended to travel along Montrose Street, Cochrane Street, George Square (South), St. Vincent Place, St. Vincent Street, up West Nile Street, round Nelson Mandela Place, and back into West George Street, George Square (North), George Street, High Street, Castle Street before ending at Glasgow Cathedral.
However it's understood they were rerouted along quieter streets as the two groups were kept separate.
We previously reported Dan Hutchison, Green councillor for Govan, had written to Glasgow City Council's chief executive, Susanne Millar and director of legal and administration Mairi Millar to ask that an order is made to 'prohibit the dangerous march on the grounds of protecting public safety and public order'.
Counter protest on Buchanan Street (Image: Newsquest) He said: "I believe the actions and words of the organisers are an incitement to violence and a risk to public safety and order on our streets.
"UKIP use phrases like 'these streets are our streets' and 'we will protect ourselves'.
"Well, they aren't their streets, they belong to the people of Glasgow. And we don't want fascists calling for our friends and neighbours to be deported."
UKIP has never had any elected representatives in Glasgow and at the General Election last year, it did not stand any candidates in the city.
Counter protest on Buchanan Street (Image: Newsquest) Police on Buchanan Street (Image: Newsquest)