Former First Minister Humza Yousaf has warned that Scotland can "no longer pretend" the country is immune to racism or hatred, following a shocking rise in hate crimes and far-right activity. Writing for the Daily Record, Yousaf called on "the good and decent people of Scotland" to stand up to "fascists and Nazis" who spread hatred and violence.
Far-right parades exposed
Yousaf spoke out after the Daily Record revealed last week that a notorious football thug and a far-right blogger were accused of involvement in sinister fascist parades filmed in Scotland and shared widely on social media. The videos, shot in black and white and appearing to involve a drone, were recorded in Edinburgh and Glasgow. They showed men in black shirts marching in unsettling displays.
Sandy Chugg, a known football thug, was identified as one of the participants. The clips were broadcast by Craig Houston, a Restore Britain member and YouTuber who has been at the centre of far-right activism and anti-immigration protests across the country. The videos have also been shared by extremist Tommy Robinson.
Yousaf's call to action
Yousaf, who became the first Muslim to lead a government in a western nation, praised the Record's reporting for exposing the parades. In an opinion piece, he wrote: "We need you too, our allies, the good and decent people of this country - who make up the overwhelming majority of Scotland - to stand alongside us. For it may be Muslims and migrants in the crosshairs today, but tomorrow they may well come for you too."
He urged Scots to reject hatred and defend the country's values of tolerance and inclusivity, warning that the rise in hate crimes and far-right activity is a threat to all communities.
