Lewis Akers reports on a huge anti-fascist mobilisation that outnumbered far right protesters trying to capitalise on the stabbing in Belfast

On Saturday, thousands of anti-racists gathered in Glasgow city centre as part of a Stand Up To Racism demonstration to reclaim Buchanan Steps, following a recent march by violent racist groups through the city centre.

The latter, reported to be linked to local loyalist and far-right groups, marched through Glasgow while intimidating non-white people. The situation escalated to the point that worshippers at Glasgow Central Mosque locked themselves inside for their own safety.

The groups involved claimed to be responding to concern over a stabbing in Belfast, but they were clearly using the incident as a pretext for racist agitation and to attempt to import racist pogroms like those that occurred in Belfast onto the streets of Glasgow.

Their actions were firmly rejected by a broad coalition of trade unionists, Palestine solidarity campaigners, anti-racists, and members of the public who attended Saturday’s demonstration to reclaim Buchanan Steps. The policing operation at points bordered on completely disorganised; officers were initially unable to contain the far right counter-protesters and instead attempted to hold back anti-racist demonstrators. However, this approach was overtaken as numbers grew and Buchanan Street filled with anti-racist supporters. 

The counter-protest itself consisted of around 70 masked individuals who clashed with police, shouted racist slogans, and performed Nazi salutes. It was clear that these individuals saw the stabbing in Belfast as an opportunity to engage in racist thuggery. No large-scale violence ultimately took place in Glasgow, as the counter-protesters were significantly outnumbered.

Anti-racist demonstrators surrounded the area, effectively containing both the police and the counter-protesters within the centre of Buchanan Street. During the event, speakers from organisations including the Scottish TUC, the Scottish Greens, the RMT, and the Scottish Refugee Council spoke about the importance of challenging racism and fascism on the streets.

Eventually, the counter-protesters were escorted away by police through the crowd. Reports suggested that they requested police protection to leave safely, as they were heavily outnumbered. Before dispersing, they clashed with police, after which they withdrew from the area. Their departure was met with cheers from sections of the anti-racist crowd along Buchanan Street.

The overall mood among many attendees was one of relief and celebration at having successfully outnumbered and pushed back the far-right presence.

The central message of the day was that numbers matter: racism can be challenged and defeated when enough people and organisations come together in opposition. While the day should be seen as a victory, we need to remember that far-right activity is growing in towns and cities across Scotland, and can often quickly mobilise to match or outnumber anti-racist forces. It is clear we need to carry forward the momentum seen in Glasgow into sustained, widespread anti-racist organising across the country.