Hundreds of people have gathered at Glasgow Green for a protest between the right-wing group Pink Ladies and counter-protesters. Organisers planned a demonstration at the Doulton Fountain, claiming to campaign for women and children’s safety amid Britain’s migrant crisis. Although they said the event would involve singing, dancing and raffles, they also extended an open invitation to other right-wing groups.
Peaceful gathering or far-right charade?
A group spokeswoman described the event as a “peaceful gathering” that would give a “rare voice and stage to normal folk”, adding: “Mothers, sisters, daughters, and their supporters will stand for the safety and protection of our own women and children, addressing the real issues in Scotland”.
Banners from Patriotic Alternative were seen at the event bearing the slogan “Deport all illegal migrants”. Counter-protest groups also began gathering in the centre of Glasgow.
Counter-protests and police presence
A counter-demonstration run by Stand Up to Racism Scotland started an hour earlier, with organisers branding the Pink Ladies a “far-right pink charade”. Women Against the Far-Right Scotland claimed the women’s safety protesters were being pushed to the front-line by people who “pretend to care about women’s rights”.
Videos on social media showed a tense atmosphere, but police appeared to be keeping order and refusing entry to people wearing masks. Police Scotland warned of a “strong response” to any violence or disorder, following clashes at the Unite the Clans event on July 25.
Official warnings and reactions
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “People have a right to peaceful protest. We perform various functions at protests but our main role is to prevent crime and disorder, whether that criminality is from people who are part of a protest group, counter protesters or passers-by disrupting a protest.” He noted officers, police horses, dogs, drones and a helicopter would be present, along with specially trained hate crime advisers and Police Liaison Officers.
Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary Roz Foyer called for a peaceful protest, saying: “The protection of women and girls from the violent abuse of men should never be hijacked by those who wish to divide communities.” Responding to a Daily Record report on some Pink Ladies leaders backing Andrew Tate, she added: “The Record has exposed today’s demonstration organisers for siding with Andrew Tate and his poisonous ilk. It is beyond contempt to gas-light the people you claim to be protecting – the women and girls of Scotland – then share the content and the company of those abusers who denigrate women.”
Foyer also said many attending far-right rallies were themselves abusers of women, and praised Police Scotland officers for their conduct in hunting down those who spread hatred. A source said police were determined to avoid the running battles seen earlier in the year, with “three times as many officers working”. Chief Superintendent Dolan reiterated: “Any disorder will get a strong response.”
