FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘March Against Racism’ March & Rally – Sat 17th March, Glasgow.
Organised by the Stand up to Racism Scotland Campaign
Freezing conditions and snow couldn’t stop anti-racism protesters today in Glasgow. Over 1,500 people from all walks of life joined the Stand Up To Racism march today, Saturday.
Trade unionists, political parties, refugee groups, and civic society organisations were among the diverse group of protesters in Glasgow city centre.
The march was called to oppose the alarming rise of racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. A popular chant among the protesters was “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.
Scottish Labour Party leader Richard Leonard, Glasgow SNP MP Alison Thewliss, Glasgow Labour MSP Anas Sarwar and Scottish Trades Union Congress president Satnam Ner were among the speakers at the rally in George Square. First minister Nicola Sturgeon also sent her best wishes to the march. Every speaker underlined the necessity of unity.
Richard Leonard argued that the anti-racist movement needed to “be impatient” in it’s campaigning against discrimination. He said, “We need to build unity between young and old between black and white.”
Speakers such as those from Scottish Refugee Council and a statement from Positive Action In Housing director Robina Qureshi highlighted the cruel impact of the Tory government treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
Alison Thewliss said, “We need to continue the fight against racism and discrimination, the threat of austerity, and cruel Home Office policies from the UK government which cause so much distress. I’m proud to see so many rallied to the anti-racist cause today.”
EIS union general secretary Larry Flanagan said, “EIS was pleased to support the demonstration today. It’s important that a message of soidarity goes out to those fighting racism wherever they may be. Together, united, trade unions and campaign groups can express our opposition to those who would seek to divide us.
Anti-racist activist and Scotland’s leading human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar said, “We need a movement that can give us strength when the far right is growing in confidence across the world. We need to stand up and we do that by organising.”
A message was also read out by Aamer Anwar from Palestinian ambassador to the UK Manuel Hassassian that offered the “full support and solidarity” to the demonstration from Palestinian firefighters currently visiting Scotland, which was very warmly received by the rally. The rally also heard from leading Holocaust historian professor Henry Maitles who spoke on behalf of Scottish Jews For A Just Peace.
Talat Ahmed, SUTR Scotland convenor said, “All those that back our aims should join us. Let’s make the racists afraid again. Let’s welcome refugees and migrants and make sure that fascists we are seeing grow across Europe right now do not grow here.”
List of organisations that supported the march:
Scottish Trades Union Congress, Unison Scotland, Unite the Union Scotland, Educational Institute of Scotland, University and College Union Scotland, Scottish Labour Party, Church of Scotland, Justice and Peace Scotland, Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, Scottish Refugee Council, Scottish Faiths Action For Refugees, Show Racism The Red Card, Positive Action in Housing, City of Edinburgh Unison, Glasgow City Unison, Unison South Lanarkshire, Edinburgh College EIS-Fela, Unite Scottish Housing Associations branch, Unite NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Unite GPM and IT Branch, Unite Glasgow retired members, MEND, Afghan Human Rights Foundation, Social Work Action Network, The People’s Assembly Scotland, Govanhill Baths Community Trust, Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees, Govanhill Against Racism, Maryhill Integration Network, Perth Against Racism, Women for Independence Glasgow, Scottish Jews For A Just Peace, PCS Scotland, RMT Scotland, FBU Scotland, Interfaith Glasgow, Glasgow Unite Community Branch, Scottish Women’s Convention.
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Stand up to Racism Scotland
