Scotland's First Minister has delivered a powerful condemnation of demonstrations targeting hotels housing asylum seekers, labelling them unequivocally as racist.
First Minister's Strong Stance Against Racism
John Swinney spoke out on Saturday, 29th November 2025, while attending a rally in Glasgow organised by the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC). He was joined by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar at the event, which was specifically convened to counter racism.
The First Minister stated that many participants in the ongoing protests outside asylum accommodation are actively 'spreading racist hate'. He left no room for ambiguity, affirming his belief that the protests themselves are fundamentally racist in nature.
Months of Demonstrations and Extreme Rhetoric
Mr Swinney's strong words follow months of similar demonstrations that have occurred across Scotland. Some of these protests have featured highly offensive banners, with reports indicating that some have advocated for the deaths of individuals crossing the English Channel.
The issue of asylum seeker accommodation has become a flashpoint in several communities, but the First Minister's intervention marks a significant escalation in the political rhetoric used to describe the protests.
A United Front for a Welcoming Scotland
The rally concluded with a speech from STUC general secretary Roz Foyer. She emphasised that Scotland is a welcoming nation and highlighted the unity of working people in opposition to hatred and division.
This public show of solidarity from the country's political and trade union leadership sends a clear message that such demonstrations are not representative of Scotland's values.
