POLITICIANS have condemned the “far-right thuggery” taking place at asylum seeker demonstrations in Glasgow.
Arrests were made at a planned protest against the living conditions of refugees in Glasgow, as “racists” made the area “unsafe”.
Images on social media show hundreds of people in the city’s George Square on Wednesday as well as a large police presence with clashes breaking out.
No Evictions Glasgow was due to be protesting over the living conditions of refugees at around 6pm, but said it had been made aware far-right groups would be turning up an hour before.
The campaigners had to cut short their rally in George Square as it was deemed “unsafe”.
A statement posted on Twitter 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 + make sure you are not alone if you are at the demo or in the vicinity.”
The campaigners continued their protest as they were escorted from the scene.
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf branded the other group “racist” and said arrests had been made.
He tweeted: “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.”
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.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) June 17, 2020
Police have made a number of arrests already and will continue to take all necessary action against those responsible.
SNP MP Chris Stephens also condemned the incident.
Leading his adjournment debate on asylum seeker services in the Commons, 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.
“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 criticised the violent scenes in Glasgow.
Responding to SNP MP Chris Stephens’ debate in the Commons, 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.”
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