Latest news with #RichardDonaldson
New European
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New European
Anti-Starmer strike fails to hit its target
Protest organiser Richard Donaldson told the channel he was 'not prepared to wait four years' for Keir Starmer to be ousted from power, calling for an immediate general election. As it turned out, Starmer can probably call off the removal van for a while yet. Because – possibly as Donaldson called the 'national strike' for a Saturday, a day most people are off work anyway – the event proved the dampest of damp squibs. How went the Great British National Strike, a day of countrywide anti-government protests, which GB News confidently predicted would see 'more than 500,000 people across the country walking out in protest at the state of the UK'? In most cities and towns, fewer than 100 people protested, often outnumbered by anti-fascist demos: in Bristol, for example (population: 483,000), Avon and Somerset Police said that 'an estimated 50 people took part in a protest, with an estimated 100 people taking part in a counter demonstration'. Another 100 people (described by organisers as 'big crowds') turned up outside Downing Street to chant 'Keir Starmer is a wanker'. In Manchester, meanwhile (population: 551,938), organisers claimed around 200 attendees, although photos would suggest this includes a protest by Chagossians protesting against the government's deal to hand over sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, which was happening at the same time. Supporters of the Great British National Strike were unimpressed, taking to social media to moan: 'No timetable, no speakers, no stage/platform, no PA system. Shambolic. Organisers were early with their excuses for failure, but admitted they'd spent two months arranging this butterfly's fart of a protest.'
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Far right group met in Glasgow by anti-racism demo in major counter-protest
A far-right rally by "The Great British National Strike" took place on the steps of Buchanan Street in Glasgow. Dozens of police officers in Glasgow have been drafted to separate right wing and anti racism protesters. Far-right coalition The Great British National Strike organised demonstrations on Saturday across the UK, with six Scottish cities targeted, including Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glas gow, Inverness and Perth. They are led by Richard Donaldson, who opposes illegal immigration, net zero policies, and what he describes as two-tier justice, among other issues. The group gathered outside Buchanan Galleries in the city centre on Saturday morning holding union jacks and banners with the message: 'Free Tommy Robinson'. Some of the protesters were heard chanting "refugees not welcome here". The crowds were met by counter-protests from several organisations, including the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stand Up to Racism, Glasgow Trades Council, Cabaret Against Hate Speech, and the Afghan Human Rights Foundation, who called for an emergency response to the 'strike'. The anti-racism protesters who gathered could be heard shouting back "Refugees welcome here" and "Stop the far right". Tensions flared between the groups who were kept yards away from each other by police officers who held a line between them. The 'Great Strike' group posted on Facebook that multiple arrests had already been made across the UK at the rally, while urging participants to remain calm. It is unclear if any arrests have been made at demonstrations across Scotland. The Record has contacted Police Scotland for comment.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Police prepare for anti-government protest in Brighton
Police said they have prepared for an anti-government march and a counter protest in central Brighton today (Saturday 24 March). 'The Great British National Strike' are holding events in towns and cities across the UK. One has been announced for Brighton but it is not yet clear how many people may attend. The man organising the 'strike' is Richard Donaldson who is calling for reduced immigration, action against grooming gangs, for the UK to withdrawn from the European Court of Human Rights, and for US-style freedom of speech laws. In an interview with GB news yesterday (Friday May 23) he suggested that 'any British citizen is welcome' to take part. The group's organiser is asking supporters to meet at the Old Steine at midday. In response, a local group, The Stand Up To Racism Group, has arranged a counter protest. Police will be in attendance. Inspector Ben Morrison from the Brighton Operations and Events Planning Team, said, 'We will have appropriate resources in place to manage and engage with any protest activity that may occur in Brighton over the weekend, and we can assure the public that officers will be deployed as necessary to minimise disruption and provide a visible policing presence across the city.'
