
Far right group met in Glasgow by anti-racism demo in major counter-protest
A far-right rally by "The Great British National Strike" took place on the steps of Buchanan Street in Glasgow.
Dozens of police officers in Glasgow have been drafted to separate right wing and anti racism protesters.
Far-right coalition The Great British National Strike organised demonstrations on Saturday across the UK, with six Scottish cities targeted, including Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glas gow, Inverness and Perth.
They are led by Richard Donaldson, who opposes illegal immigration, net zero policies, and what he describes as two-tier justice, among other issues.
The group gathered outside Buchanan Galleries in the city centre on Saturday morning holding union jacks and banners with the message: 'Free Tommy Robinson'.
Some of the protesters were heard chanting "refugees not welcome here".
The crowds were met by counter-protests from several organisations, including the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stand Up to Racism, Glasgow Trades Council, Cabaret Against Hate Speech, and the Afghan Human Rights Foundation, who called for an emergency response to the 'strike'.
The anti-racism protesters who gathered could be heard shouting back "Refugees welcome here" and "Stop the far right".
Tensions flared between the groups who were kept yards away from each other by police officers who held a line between them.
The 'Great Strike' group posted on Facebook that multiple arrests had already been made across the UK at the rally, while urging participants to remain calm.
It is unclear if any arrests have been made at demonstrations across Scotland.
The Record has contacted Police Scotland for comment.
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