“WE want a referendum in 2017 and we want it now!”
It’s a funny march for independence that ends with activists grappling for control of a microphone. From Kelvingrove to Glasgow Green, hundreds of supporters had waved flags and banners, calling for a second referendum. The march, on Saturday, was meant to culminate in a grand rally.
But it all went south when Sean Clerkin, in line to speak first, was cut off by organisers.
The All Under One Banner group said Clerkin had been asked to leave the stage because he introduced himself as a member of the Scottish Resistance, a hardcore, well-meaning nationalist group, whom, it had been agreed, were not allowed to speak. Although there in his capacity as an anti-austerity campaigner, serial protester Clerkin flouted the arrangement by wearing a T-shirt branded with the group’s logo.
Clerkin tried to drown out the speaker system after the microphone was taken off him, but still managed to gain the support of several people in the crowd, who said he should be allowed to speak.
But event organisers quickly turned the amplifier off, causing him to start shouting at the top of his lungs once again.
“Freedom,” he yelled, a primal cry that was quickly mashed up online with
George Michael’s 1990s anthem by a quick-thinking Twitter user.
Clerkin said the exclusion of the controversial “ultra-nationalist” group was appalling, adding that it made a mockery of the “All Under One Banner” tag.
“This is terrible behaviour by the organisers,” Clerkin said. “It was despicable and freedom of speech was being denied. This will only harm the independence campaign.”
Organisers apologised to the crowd afterwards and said they had explained the situation to Clerkin before the speech started.
The event resumed with talks from representatives of RISE, Solidarity and the Socialist Workers Party.
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