Reform UK's deputy leader in Scotland, Thomas Kerr, has reported prominent human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar to Police Scotland over hate speech claims. The move follows a speech made by Anwar during a counter-protest to anti-immigration demonstrators in Glasgow last week.
Details of the Protest
Police Scotland reported that around 1,700 people took part in demonstrations in the city on Saturday, with groups engaging in violence, disorder and hate-motivated offending. Fifteen people have since been arrested, with officers vowing more arrests will follow.
During the protest, Anwar addressed anti-racism demonstrators, referring to “racist thugs” and comparing the incident to an alleged anti-Muslim knife attack in Edinburgh. He questioned what would happen if Muslims or non-white people had responded to violence against them in the same way as anti-immigration protesters.
Kerr's Allegations
In a social media statement, Kerr claimed Anwar's comments “go beyond robust political debate” and “have the effect of encouraging hostility towards a section of Scots based on their political views, nationality, ethnicity and cultural identity”. He described the remarks as “abhorrent” and alleged that Anwar had called political campaigners “terrorists” and spoken about questioning “their culture and religion”.
“His words, I have no doubt, will contribute to increased hostility and community tensions, and I hope Police Scotland investigate the matter fully,” Kerr added.
Anwar's Response
Rejecting the claims, Anwar accused Kerr of wasting police time and described him as a “wannabe tartan Tommy Robinson”. He stated that while Kerr claims to have condemned Saturday's violence, “several of his Reform members stood next to the thugs, many of whom were masked, whilst racist abuse, threats of violence and Nazi salutes took place”.
Anwar also questioned whether Kerr would suspend Reform politicians who attended the “Unite the Clans” rally and assist police with their inquiries. Glasgow Reform councillor Audrey Dempsey has admitted to speaking at the rally, where other speakers spoke of their love of being white and claimed white people in the UK were being replaced.
Broader Context
Police said groups engaged in violence, disorder, intimidation and hate-motivated offences, including a large group of around 100 people who entered the city centre. Demonstrators were seen performing apparent Nazi salutes, and social media videos showed a non-white delivery driver being attacked by a group shouting “get them out”.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell described the violent scenes as “disgraceful” and said Police Scotland would take further action. First Minister John Swinney branded the protest a “demonstration of far-right hatred”, calling the disorder “completely and utterly unacceptable”.
A video of the anti-migrant group rushing towards an anti-fascist group was shared and supported by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The protest was the latest in a series of anti-migrant demonstrations in Glasgow amid heightened tensions.
Police Scotland has been approached for comment.
