Latest news with #JimBollan
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Neo-Nazi group Patriotic Alternative target peaceful trade union campaigners in shocking attacks
EXCLUSIVE: Members of the far-right Patriotic Alternative group have been accused of "thuggish behaviour" as they campaign in Clydebank town centre and film critics of their hateful rhetoric. A trade union group branded "terrorists" by far-right extremists have vowed they won't be bullied into silence. Clydebank Trades Union Council has suffered verbal abuse from "thuggish" individuals identifying themselves as members of the fascist group Patriotic Alternative. The white nationalists have been making their presence felt in the West Dunbartonshire town in recent weeks by hanging "racist" banners and placards from a council-owned bandstand. Following multiple complaints from members of the public the far-rightgroup has since switched to leafleting outside the Clyde shopping centre. But that has since brought them into contact with the Clydebank TUC, which holds a regular weekly stall in the town centre promoting workers' rights. A video uploaded to YouTube last week shows a member of Patriotic Alternative shouting "stop the boats" while the trade unionists set up their stall, as well as accusing them of being members of "the communist party". The clip is entitled "left wing terrorist inClydebank trades council", language that has alarmed members of the Morrison, the group's secretary, told the Record his members were being targeted by "nasty people" - but it would not stop them setting their stall out today as usual. He said: "Clydebank TUC won't be intimidated by the thuggish behaviour of fascist outfit Patriotic Alternative who are trying to divide the local community with racist hatred. "They support Reform, which is a PLC owned and supported by multi-millionaires who have nothing in common with ordinary folk. The real reason for cuts in services and lack of housing is down to austerity implemented by successive governments, not immigrants who keep our NHS and care services going. Only a united fight back by the trade unions and communities will change this." Anas Sarwar, who has previously been the subject of Patriotic Alternative attacks, said trade unionists should not expect harassment from "bigots". The Scottish Labour leader told the Record: "The poison of the far-right has no place in our politics or society. Trade unionists - who actually stand up for working people - should not be harassed by far-right bigots who want to spread their bile. Time and time again the people of Scotland have rejected the far-right - I am sure they will do so again." It comes after Patriotic Alternative members were last month escorted from West Dunbartonshire Council headquarters after disrupting the last full council meeting ahead of the summer recess. A motion was presented to elected members by councillor Jim Bollan urging them to condemn the "racist" banners, flyers and posters that had been displayed at the Clydebank bandstand. The motion asked the council to authorise officials to remove any such items attached to the council-owned bandstand that don't have prior written consent from West Dunbartonshire Council. But as Bollan tried to speak he was interrupted by chanting from the public gallery from four protesters who kept repeating 'Scotland is for Scots'. The councillor later continued: "The overt racist posters being displayed by Patriotic Alternative in Clydebank could be a precursor to the racist violent behaviour we are seeing in Ireland at the moment where non-whites are having their homes fire bombed because of the colour of their skin. "Groups like Patriotic Alternative are cheerleaders for Reform, which is a racist party and use the fact that the two larger political parties are not delivering for the policies needed by our working-class communities. That void is being used by extremists to blame refugees and asylum seekers as a divide and conquer tactic, commonly used by racists. By supporting this motion, West Dunbartonshire Council will be sending a clear message that we are anti racist and inclusive of all races. "Before I came into this meeting, I noticed some of the banners which are outside which are overtly racist. It is unacceptable in West Dunbartonshire." The Record previously revealed how Patriotic Alternative tried to influence the recent Hamilton and Stonehouse by-election by encouraging locals to vote for Reform UK. One banner erected in Stonehouse tried to bait anti-racism campaigner Sarwar: 'Scotland too white Anas?' Another banner explained the political purpose of the trip: 'Vote Reform.' A leaflet handed out to passers-by stated: 'This flyer is brought to you by Patriotic Alternative (PA), a proud nationalist community group. We champion the rights of the native British - the English, Scottish and Welsh - stewards of our homeland, the British Isles.' They added: 'We have concerns about the future of our nation and do not believe that successive governments have prioritised the interests of the native British.' A section marked 'advocating for our own ethnic group' also said PA wanted to ensure 'indigenous Brits' are not treated as 'second class citizens'. The Record also revealed how a Scottish far-right influencer was trying to orchestrate a mass infiltration of extremists into Reform UK. Conspiracy theorist David Clew hoped to piggyback on the success of Nigel Farage's anti-immigration party by seeking to get his own allies elected to the Scottish Parliament and councils. Clews joined forces with the extremist Patriotic Alternative group, devising a 'declaration of intent' with its leader Mark Collett – a notorious neo-Nazi and former BNP official. A statement by the pair even offers 'security' and 'on the ground support' to Reform to counter any 'violent antisocial elements' that might be encountered. A Reform UK spokesman previously said: 'No one will infiltrate our party or our politics. Our electoral contract is there for all to see and we will have no truck with such inappropriate people."
The Herald Scotland
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Far-right activists making 'mockery' of council, says trade union
Following concern that the group congregating there are "spreading far-right, neo-nazi and white nationalist" agenda in the town, Jim Bollan of West Dunbartonshire Community Party presented a motion to the council urging the local authority to take down all banners, posters, flags, flyers and photos at the bandstand. The motion was agreed upon unanimously. However, two weeks later, it is understood that the banners remain in place. Clydebank TUC secretary Tam Morrison claims the lack of action is making a 'weekly mockery' of the local authority. He said: 'These fascists are making a weekly mockery of every single councillor that backed the motion. 'The council have been good in saying they'll stand up to racism, well, now's their chance. 'Enforce the decision, take these hate posters down and get them in the trash where they belong.' West Dunbartonshire Council said it monitors the location daily to ensure any unauthorised displays are removed. It is understood that the group which have links to Patriotic Alternative congregate at the Bandstand every Wednesday morning. Pictures supplied to the Clydebank Post show the banners at the stand on the morning of Wednesday, June 25 and July 2. Banners at the Bandstand on Wednesday, June 25. (Image: Supplied) Picture of the banners on the Bandstand on Wednesday, July 2. (Image: Supplied) Councillor Jim Bollan says, following the banners still being displayed, he has contacted senior council officers in the hope they can help remove the material. He said: "Disappointed the racists have been displaying their banners again in Clydebank after the recent council decision. "I understand there have been no prior written requests by these racist groups or individuals to WDC seeking consent to display these racist & hateful banners on Council property. "I have therefore contacted senior council officers and provided them with information which may assist the council in enforcing the recent decision by WDC to have this offensive material removed." A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council is asking members of the public who are offended by the banners to report them to Police Scotland. They said: 'We are disappointed that this group continues to affix posters and flags to our bandstand despite being advised repeatedly that they are not permitted. 'Officers continue to monitor the location daily to ensure any unauthorised displays are removed as quickly as possible. 'Members of the public should contact Police Scotland if they are offended by any banners on display, even if these are later removed.'
Glasgow Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Far-right 'making mockery' of West Dunbartonshire Council
Banners, which have been displaying slogans such as 'You pay, migrants stay' and 'Migrants adored, pensioners ignored', have been spotted at the bandstand outside the Clyde Shopping Centre over recent months. (Image: Supplied) Following concern that the group congregating there are "spreading far-right, neo-nazi and white nationalist" agenda in the town, Jim Bollan of West Dunbartonshire Community Party presented a motion to the council urging the local authority to take down all banners, posters, flags, flyers and photos at the bandstand. The motion was agreed upon unanimously. Two weeks following this, it is understood by the Clydebank Post that the banners have not been removed. Tam Morrison, Clydebank TUC secretary, claims the lack of action is making a 'weekly mockery' of the local authority. He said: 'These fascists are making a weekly mockery of every single councillor that backed the motion. 'The council have been good in saying they'll stand up to racism, well, now's their chance. 'Enforce the decision, take these hate posters down and get them in the trash where they belong.' West Dunbartonshire Council say they monitor the location daily to ensure any unauthorised displays are removed. It is understood that the group which have links to Patriotic Alternative congregate at the Bandstand every Wednesday morning. Pictures supplied to the Clydebank Post show the banners at the stand on the morning of Wednesday, June 25 and July 2. Banners at the Bandstand on Wednesday, June 25. (Image: Supplied) Picture of the banners on the Bandstand on Wednesday, July 2. (Image: Supplied) Councillor Jim Bollan says, following the banners still being displayed, he has contacted senior council officers in the hope they can help remove the material. He said: "Disappointed the racists have been displaying their banners again in Clydebank after the recent council decision. "I understand there have been no prior written requests by these racist groups or individuals to WDC seeking consent to display these racist & hateful banners on Council property. "I have therefore contacted senior council officers and provided them with information which may assist the council in enforcing the recent decision by WDC to have this offensive material removed." A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council is asking members of the public who are offended by the banners to report them to Police Scotland. They said: 'We are disappointed that this group continues to affix posters and flags to our bandstand despite being advised repeatedly that they are not permitted. 'Officers continue to monitor the location daily to ensure any unauthorised displays are removed as quickly as possible. 'Members of the public should contact Police Scotland if they are offended by any banners on display, even if these are later removed.'
Glasgow Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Call to remove 'racist' banners from Clydebank bandstand
Jim Bollan of West Dunbartonshire Community Party will present a motion at the full council meeting next week, asking the local authority to take down all banners, posters, flags, flyers and photos at the bandstand. 'You pay, migrants stay' and 'Migrants adored, pensioners ignored' feature on the banners which appear most Wednesdays at the space next to the Clyde Shopping Centre. Call to remove 'racist' banners from Clydebank bandstand. (Image: YouTube) In a video posted on YouTube, a logo for Patriotic Alternative, a far-right group, is seen before photos of the banners at the bandstand are shown. Cllr Bollan is asking the council to agree to remove any of these items from the authority-owned landmark that don't have prior written consent. He has claimed the group congregating there are "spreading far-right, neo-nazi and white nationalist" agenda in the town. Police Scotland has previously stated that they have visited the area on numerous occasions; however, no criminality has been established. Videos posted to Youtube show officers approaching the bandstand. (Image: YouTube) Cllr Bollan said: "Patriotic Alternative (PA) is a racist organisation who are not welcome in West Dunbartonshire. They were at the forefront of harassing and intimidating asylum seekers being housed in the hotel in Erskine by the government recently. "People fleeing violence and possible death in their own country were being bullied and attacked by racist members of the PA because they were non white. "They are now trying to spread their far right, neo nazi, white nationalist agenda in Clydebank and it needs to be confronted by the local council, organisations and the wider community. PA also oppose LGBT rights, which is also divisive and abhorrent. "We have a diverse community in West Dunbartonshire and we need to ensure that no individual or ethnic group are singled out because of the colour of their skin. "The Trade Unions have been at the forefront of exposing the racists locally, and we all need to build on their action to drive the racist PA out of West Dunbartonshire". A statement previously supplied by West Dunbartonshire Council says, without special permission, "notices, posters or flags are not permitted to be affixed to the bandstand and therefore the Council can and will remove these."
The National
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Remove 'far-right racist' banners from Clydebank landmark
Jim Bollan of West Dunbartonshire Community Party will present a motion at the full council meeting next week asking the local authority to take down all banners, posters, flags, flyers, and photos at the bandstand. "You pay, migrants stay" and "Migrants adored, pensioners ignored" feature on the banners which appear most Wednesdays at the space next to the Clyde Shopping Centre. Call to remove 'racist' banners from Clydebank bandstand. (Image: YouTube) In a video posted on YouTube, a logo for Patriotic Alternative, a far-right group, is seen before photos of the banners at the bandstand are shown. Bollan is asking the council to agree to remove any of these items from the authority-owned landmark that don't have prior written consent. He has claimed the group congregating there are spreading a "far-right, neo-Nazi and white nationalist" agenda in the town. Police Scotland has previously stated that they have visited the area on numerous occasions; however, no criminality has been established. Videos posted to Youtube show officers approaching the bandstand. (Image: YouTube) Bollan said: "Patriotic Alternative (PA) is a racist organisation who are not welcome in West Dunbartonshire. They were at the forefront of harassing and intimidating asylum seekers being housed in the hotel in Erskine by the government recently. "People fleeing violence and possible death in their own country were being bullied and attacked by racist members of the PA because they were non white. "They are now trying to spread their far right, neo-Nazi, white nationalist agenda in Clydebank and it needs to be confronted by the local council, organisations and the wider community. PA also oppose LGBT rights, which is also divisive and abhorrent. "We have a diverse community in West Dunbartonshire and we need to ensure that no individual or ethnic group are singled out because of the colour of their skin. "The Trade Unions have been at the forefront of exposing the racists locally, and we all need to build on their action to drive the racist PA out of West Dunbartonshire". A statement previously supplied by West Dunbartonshire Council says that without special permission, "notices, posters or flags are not permitted to be affixed to the bandstand and therefore the council can and will remove these".
