Arrests made after far-right activists descend on Glasgow rally for protection of asylum seekers

Arrests have been made after far-right protesters descended on a rally for better living conditions for refugees in Glasgow.

The demonstration in George Square has been cut short after No Evictions Glasgow said it was "unsafe" for it to go ahead as planned.

Video footage shared on social media showed clashes with the police as hundreds of people gathered in the square.

Police Scotland said six arrests had been made “so far” following the disturbance.

No Evictions Glasgow was due to be protesting over the living conditions of asylum seekers at around 6pm, but said it had been made aware far-right groups would be turning up an hour before.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves said: “We had an appropriate police presence in place to ensure public safety during the demonstrations in the George Square area on the evening of Wednesday.

“So far, six men have been arrested for minor public order offences and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

“The majority of protesters have now left George Square and officers remain in the area for public reassurance.

“A review will be undertaken and should any further criminality be identified appropriate action will be taken.”

Police in George Square in Glasgow during a No Evictions Glasgow protest
PA

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the "thugs" had shamed Scotland.

She said on Twitter: “Disgraceful scenes in Glasgow tonight. Racist thugs shame Scotland. If they break the law, they should face the full force of it.

"And all of us should unite to say that welcoming refugees and asylum seekers is part of who we are.”

Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf branded the counter-protesters “racist” and said arrests had been made.

He wrote on Twitter: “Briefed by Police Scotland on disorder in George Sq. Let’s not mince our words, this has nothing to do with statues and everything to do with racist thuggery.

"Police have made a number of arrests already and will continue to take all necessary action against those responsible.”

In another video shared on Twitter, the police could be seen trying to herd counter-protesters away from the square as they shouted "Fenian Bas*****" and "Rule Brittania".

Speaking about the cancellation of the rally, the organisers said: “It’s been decided the location of the demo at this time is not safe so we are going to leave the area as a group.

"If you haven’t made it in don’t try get in and stay away from the square. Try and make sure you are not alone if you are at the demo or in the vicinity.”.

SNP MP Chris Stephens condemned the “far-right thuggery” taking place at the asylum seeker demonstrations.

Leading his adjournment debate on asylum seeker services in the Commons, Mr Stephens (Glasgow South West) told MPs: “Let me be quite clear that I condemn the racism of the far right and I celebrate those who wish to protest about the unfair conditions which asylum seekers are faced with in Glasgow.

Demonstrators in George Square in Glasgow during a No Evictions Glasgow protest against the living conditions of refugees
PA

“I have no doubt further news will develop as this debate goes on, but I want to make it quite clear that the actions of the far right… this demonstration tonight is nothing to do with statues, but was to address the issue of conditions in this city.”

He added: “There is no place for far-right thuggery anywhere in the United Kingdom and people are entitled to peacefully protest if they think that the Government are not making the correct decisions.

“And it was peaceful protests that were planned tonight and they were met with thugs.”

Justice minister Chris Philp also condemned the violent scenes in Glasgow.

Responding to SNP MP Chris Stephens’ debate in the Commons, Mr Philp said: “Violent protest of any kind is abhorrent.

“People do have a right to peaceful protest and I join him, and I’m sure everybody in the House, in condemning the acts of violence to which he referred to earlier.”

It comes after Black Lives Matter protesters toppled a figure honouring Edward Colston, the 17th century slave owner, in Bristol and dumped it in a harbour.

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