Protestors gather outside shopping centre for 'Great British National Strike'
PROTESTORS have gathered outside a city centre shopping centre for the 'Great British National Strike'.
The protest, organised by what has been called a "coalition of far right groups", is part of a series of strikes set to take place in several cities across the UK from 12pm today (May 24).
Organisers say they are protesting against illegal immigration, net-zero and inheritance tax, amongst other issues.
READ NEXT: Counter protestors gather in city centre ahead of 'Great British National Strike'
PROTESTORS have gathered outside a city centre shopping centre for the 'Great British National Strike'. (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Pictures taken shortly after 12pm today show a group of protestors from the Strike on steps outside the doors to Buchanan Galleries next to Victoria's Secret holding Union flags and Saltires.
The group were initially set to gather at the Buchanan Steps outside the Royal Concert Hall, however, counter-protestors are already in place there having started to gather from around 10am this morning.
Those gathering for the National Strike stood near counter protestors for around 20 minutes before moving further down Buchanan Street where they were met with chants of "fascist scum off our streets".
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Previous plans for the National Strike to meet at the Cenotaph had to be changed due to the closure of George Square while it undergoes an extensive refurbishment.
A prominent sign held at the front of the group reads "Free Tommy Robinson."
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed in October last year for 18 months after he ignored a court order not to repeat lies about a Syrian refugee who had successfully sued him for libel, the BBC reports.
The Guardian reported on May 21 that he has been charged with harassment causing fear of violence against two journalists in August last year and he is due to appear a Westminster Magistrates Court on June 5.
Counter protestors have also moved down Buchanan Street (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) A post shared on The Great British National Strike Facebook page shortly before 12pm today said they were "aware that multiple arrests have been made already" at protests but did not specify where in the UK.
The Glasgow Times earlier reported counter-protestors gathered on the Buchanan Steps from 10am this morning after an "emergency demo" was organised by groups including the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stand Up to Racism.
Pictures taken by Glasgow Times photographer this morning show many people standing with Palestine flags and signs with statement such as "refugees welcome, stop the far right", "stop dawn raids" and "oppose Islamophobia, defend the right to protest".
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
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