THE Scottish Independence Movement (Sim) has announced their intention to hold a fundraiser for their founder member Manny Singh who has been stripped of his taxi licence after being jailed for his part in organising an All Under One Banner march in Glasgow in May, 2019.

Citing safety reasons, Singh refused to comply with the council’s change of timing for the licence for the march which passed off peacefully. As a result, on August 25, 2020, Singh was convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court and sentenced to 72 days imprisonment. He served his term in Barlinnie Prison.

Last week the Licensing and Regulatory Committee of SNP-run Glasgow Council voted to remove Singh’s licence for two weeks, though four councillors wanted a month’s suspension. That finding will remain on his record and Singh fears it will stop him from regaining his licence.

Sim has therefore organised a crowdfunder – available on their Facebook page – in order that Singh can appeal against the Council decision in court.

A spokesperson for Sim said: “Glasgow Council has ordered that because of his incarceration, he is not deemed to be a fit and proper person to hold his taxi licence and is a threat to public safety. Having taken his freedom, they now want to take his livelihood.

“The costs of defending his reputation and only source of income have already reached £1200 and are rising.

“The cost for appealing the decision of the Licensing Committee through legal representation will be £5000.

“In May 2019, a humble Glasgow taxi driver helped to organise what was then the greatest show of strength for Scottish independence. A gathering of 100,000 strong proud Scots men, women, children and their dugs marched in peace for their freedom – now we must stand with Manny in his hour of need.

“There have been numerous other marches in the city which have led to trouble and violence, for which no organiser has been arrested.

“[Last] week Rangers fans broke Covid-19 laws and marched from Ibrox to Glasgow city centre aided by Police Scotland. No organiser has been charged.

“We saw the ugly scenes where the general public were victims of racial abuse and public property was destroyed. These scenes were broadcast across the world showing an ugly side to Scotland.

“Yet why did a man of Asian descent who organised a peaceful procession find himself prosecuted and imprisoned? They have taken his liberty, now they want to take his livelihood.”

Singh and the rest of Sim had intended to organise marches this year but are not doing so until it is declared safe to do so by the Scottish Government.