Steven McWilliam reflects on the new branch launch in Edinburgh and some takeaways from the meeting

Counterfire has a strong presence in the lowlands of Scotland, and this has been shown by the newly formed Edinburgh branch, which hosted its first public meeting on ‘Flags, Fascism and Farage’. We were joined by Alex Snowden, who led off on the topic to an engaged room. The discussion touched on a variety of subjects and had strong contributions from members and non-members alike. At the end of the event, we had multiple new members sign up to join Counterfire.

One point of discussion was around how the far right disseminated information. The question of ‘is it all TikTok’ was answered by Alex saying that much of what is shared on social media takes its line from traditional news sources, so even though less people are reading traditional newspapers, what they print and the language they use is important as it sets the talking points that are then replicated online. 

Additionally, he made the point that we should not underplay the legitimacy that the right have gained by Keir Starmer’s weak parroting of racist and anti-migrant points. When this happens, it emboldens the right to push even further. 

A different point that came up (that was interesting to Alex, visiting from down south) was the role that sectarianism plays in Scottish politics around the far right. Due to many Celtic fans having an Irish family history and therefore a more developed consciousness around colonisation, there has been a distinct movement in support of Palestine that has politicised portions of the football crowd for the first time. Unfortunately, for each action there is an equal and opposite reaction, which has led many Rangers fans to begin identifying with the Israeli state. 

It was pointed out that in the past, fascist organisers have found it difficult to get a foothold in Scotland. While there has never been well-organised fascist groups in Scotland, there has always been a well-organised sectarian group in the form of the Orange Order. It was posited that this basis of organisation is the reason why Falkirk has had such constant hotel protests.

With the first successful meeting done, I look forward to seeing what the East Coast comrades do next.