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South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Groups clash as hotel near Cardiff takes in Afghans
The demonstration was called by a group identifying itself as Concerned Local Families, who voiced opposition to the UK Government's relocation of Afghan nationals to the site. Among its members were leaders of 'Voice of Wales', an online platform that challenges official immigration policy. In response, people describing themselves as anti-racism campaigners, mostly from Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) and allied groups, staged a counter-demonstration. The hotel is currently housing Afghan nationals who supported British forces during the war in Afghanistan and have been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, known as Entitled Persons (EPs). The Ministry of Defence selected the site as part of a relocation programme, with the first intake including 19 families, three couples, and one single person. The arrangement is expected to last up to nine months while permanent housing is secured. The protest began at 6pm on the access road leading to the hotel. Protesters on one side (Image: NQ) People gathering outside the hotel (Image: NQ) From the perspective facing the hotel, the 'Concerned Families group' stood to the left, while SUTR and their supporters gathered to the right. Initially, the two groups remained largely self-contained, but tensions escalated, prompting police to establish a cordon and instruct attendees not to cross sides. In the middle of the road stood aid worker Nizar Dahan, known as 'Neezo,' who was told by police to choose a side. At first he declined, and then reluctantly complied, saying: 'I don't believe in sides, I am a human being, and I don't believe in all these divisions. There is no left and right, just humans and we all need to think that way.' Neezo also said he was perfectly happy to chat to all at the protest and would respect all views. The SUTR side, led by human rights lawyer Hussein Said, appeared more organized and unified in its protest behaviour. Protesters carried printed signs and banners, including those from the National Education Union. Chanting was coordinated and persistent, with slogans denouncing fascism and racism. Hussein said: 'These people fought for this country and are in danger. We have a duty to take them in.' When asked about the nature of fascism, he did not define it but said: 'The threat of fascism anywhere is a threat that must be taken very seriously. "Of course, we weren't sure if fascist people would turn up today, but there was enough to concern the police and the council so we felt we must be loud and clearly visible here today to say we won't stand for this.' On the opposite side, Stan Robinson of 'Voice of Wales' challenged the official narrative surrounding the Afghan families. He said: 'You shouldn't believe these figures. Only one in sixteen (of the people moving into the hotel) is genuine, and all their families are entitled to come.' Mr Robinson expressed concern about the long-term impact on local services and questioned the transparency of the relocation process. He added that the only exception to his hard-nosed approach would be care and resettlement of Gurkhas and their families. While the protest remained relatively peaceful, both sides exchanged heated accusations. Despite this, attendees from both sides described the police operation as effective and well-managed. However, Mr Robinson voiced dissatisfaction with the policing approach, accusing officers of bias. He claimed that police cameras were focused only on his side and that officers failed to act on provocative chants from the counter-protesters. Stan Robinson (Image: NQ) By 7.40pm, the SUTR group was led off the site under police supervision, with the visible police presence swelling from around 20 officers at 6pm to about 40. Officers blocked traffic to allow for an orderly evacuation of the site, and by 8pm the site was almost entirely cleared. The protest highlighted deep divisions over migration, national identity, and public accountability, with each side insisting it spoke for the true interests of local residents and the wider community. At the end of July, Vale Council provided clarity on the situation, saying: "As Entitled Persons (EPs), this group have the right to live in the UK following their efforts supporting the British military in Afghanistan. "These households are not illegal immigrants, asylum seekers or refugees. The UK Government has granted them indefinite leave to remain in this country, which is now regarded as their home. "The first of two intakes, which is expected shortly, will consist of 19 families with children, three couples and a single person. "This temporary arrangement, lasting up to nine months, is in place while they are helped to find more permanent accommodation across the UK." As of writing there were no reports of arrests.
The Herald Scotland
02-08-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow Friends of Israel hits back over anti-racist ban
However, on July 17, SUTR published a statement saying the group was no longer welcome at marches due to their support for Israel and 'the far-right'. GFI chairman Sammy Stein told The Herald he was surprised by the announcement as a leading member of SUTR had previously defended the group's right to attend marches. He said: 'They're afraid about what other groups might say. They've always tried to keep behind the stewards, but they did tolerate us, albeit in a non-friendly manner. 'I think they're threatened by a number of groups who don't want us to be there.' Glasgow Friends of Israel are no longer welcome at SUTR events, in a about face from five years ago. (Image: NQ) Stein pointed The Herald to a recording of a 'Islamaphobia, Anti-Semitism, and the Rise of the Far-Right' discussion hosted by SUTRS in 2020, in which the group's convenor, Talat Ahmed, said: 'Stand Up to Racism is not a political football for anyone with agendas to mess around with, under any circumstances whatsoever… Stand Up to Racism never has done, and never will do, have a position on the Middle East. 'What do you think my job should be as the convenor of Stand Up to Racism? Should I stand there policing who I like the look of? 'Should I let some in and tell the others they are not welcome? Get real. That is not what Stand Up to Racism is about. We welcome everyone, irrespective of what their positions are on a whole myriad of other politics and positions. '[That applies] if you are Jewish or Palestinian, irrespective of any politics you may hold.' Left-wing groups such as Scotland Against Criminalising Communities and Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign have long criticised SUTR for this stance. Reform councillor Thomas Kerr (L)'s support for the group has caused controversy. (Image: Getty Images)Stein said: 'At this meeting, Talat Ahmed made a very clear and courageous statement about welcoming everyone regardless of their politics. She criticised those who were trying to keep anyone out of the march. 'I thought she was very brave and sincere about her words and hence my huge disappointment about her decision to no longer stand up for these principles.' However, five years later, as war rages in Gaza, SUTR's neutral position on the Middle East appears to have been firmly abandoned. SUTR Scotland secretary Héctor Sierra told The Herald: "It is telling that Glasgow Friends of Israel are accusing us of hypocrisy instead of addressing the reasons why we have said they are not welcome at our events. These reasons are: their support for the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and their friendly relationships with far-right organisations here in Scotland. 'Glasgow Friends of Israel continues to justify the slaughter in Gaza, with much of its social media content this week being devoted to casting doubt over the horrific scale of mass starvation in the Strip.' One post on the GFI Facebook page refers to 'the lies of starvation in Gaza,' while another accused media organisations of creating 'fake news and propaganda at the expense of a sick child.' Sierra continued, calling the group a 'toxic organisation on the wrong side of history.' He said: 'On the second point, Glasgow Friends of [[Israel]] responded to our statement rejecting them by reaffirming their sympathy for Reform UK, a party focused on demonising refugees and migrants. Nick Tenconi led a 'mass deportations' march through Glasgow last week. (Image:) 'As if that were not enough, last weekend when SUTR organised an anti-racist protest to oppose fascist Nick Tenconi's 'mass deportation' march through Glasgow, they described SUTR, not Tenconi, as 'the problem'. SUTR is engaged in building a mass movement to resist the racist, Islamophobic and antisemitic far-right.' A post on the GFI Facebook from last Saturday states: 'Today on Buchanan Street, a group called Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) had rallied a mob with a call to arms to oppose a march by Nick Tenconi, the leader of UKIP. 'SUTR has branded him a racist and fascist and called on the masses to oppose what was probably to be a perfectly peaceful march. 'SUTR are an extremely unpleasant bunch of individuals, supported by black clad, mask wearing militant Antifa thugs and the usual Israel haters and they were there in force today for one reason and one reason only and that was to cause trouble.' Read more: 'Our community is being attacked': Queer Glaswegians to call out Israel during Pride Large group of anti-fascist protestors oppose 'mass deportation' rally Scottish anti-racist campaigners bar pro-Israel groups from events Speaking to The Herald, Stein denied that GFI had any connection to right-wing groups, after leading Reform councillor Thomas Kerr was photographed visiting their stall on Buchanan Street. 'We are not racist and neither is Zionism. A Zionist is someone who believes a Jewish person should have a home in Israel. 'Many members of my family were killed in the Holocaust,' Stein added. 'I march to remember them. We will not stop taking part, as we believe we must stand up to racist and especially anti-Semitism. 'We will make every effort to participate in the marches, despite the obstructions and pushing.'
The National
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Pro-Israel groups banned from Stand Up To Racism events in Scotland
Last year, the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) and the Scottish Palestinian Society (SPS) both urged SUTR to ban Glasgow Friends of Israel (GFI) from marches as the presence of the organisation had led to a growing number of pro-Palestine organisations dropping out. Now SUTR's steering committee has confirmed members of GFI and the Confederation of Friends of Israel in Scotland (COFIS) are "not welcome" at future events due to their support for Israel and organisations such as Reform UK. A statement posted on Facebook from SUTR said: "We wish to publicly clarify beyond any doubt that the Glasgow Friends of Israel and COFIS groups are NOT WELCOME at SUTR Scotland events. READ MORE: Tory MP brands SNP 'fifth columnists' over weapons funding opposition 'They have never been invited to any SUTR event, spoken as part of any SUTR platform, or been part of discussions with SUTR Scotland. 'SUTR aims to unite people of all faiths, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and none, against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and the far-right, and they are all welcome at our events and initiatives.' Wael Shawish of SPS – a group for Palestinians residing in Scotland – told The National last year it was 'painful' for him and the organisation not to be able to join the march in 2024 because of the Israeli flag being flown during it. He said: 'We can't even dream of joining such a march with the Israeli flag being waved over our heads. We are oppressed by that flag." Gerry Coutts, of the SPSC, also explained how his group in recent years had handed out leaflets at the start of the march explaining why they are not participating. He said last year: 'As long as Israel remains an apartheid state, SPSC is calling for GFI to be banned from future SUTR marches as their presence is incompatible with the march's intention of celebrating International Day For the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.' READ MORE: 'Disturbed': MP Rosie Duffield hits out after armed police threaten Gaza protester SUTR said it now rejected the presence of GFI and COFIS due to support for the far-right "internationally and here in Scotland" and joining "the efforts by politicians to push the Islamophobic lie that millions protesting in solidarity with Palestine are 'hate marchers'". It added the groups were not welcome due to "justifying and applauding" the actions by the state of Israel. The SUTR committee noted: 'The focus of SUTR Scotland's campaigning activities involves building broad-based mass anti-racist action in solidarity with refugees and migrants, supporting justice campaigns against police and institutional racism, and facilitating a united response to the Islamophobic and antisemitic far-right, fascist groups, and particularly now the threat of Reform UK.' 'However, we reject the presence of GFI and COFIS, organisations whose activity involves justifying and applauding the actions by the state of Israel, which is engaged in carrying out genocide, apartheid and ethnic cleansing.' GFI, which describes itself as 'a grassroots organisation that supports the right of Israel to democratic self-determination,' runs an information stall in Buchanan Street in Glasgow every Saturday. The SUTR committee went on to criticise GFI's relationship with Reform UK councillor Thomas Kerr, who has been photographed visiting the stall and has expressed support for the group on social media. The statement noted: 'No organisation that supports [Reform UK], which is trying to convince millions of voters that refugees, migrants and Muslims are to blame for society's problems, and in the process opening the door to dangerous fascist forces, is welcome at SUTR Scotland events.' In 2024, a group called Scotland Against Criminalising Communities (SACC) refused to attend a SUTR march due to concerns over GFI and COFIS's attendance.
The Herald Scotland
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Stand up to Racism Scotland bars pro-Israel groups
On Thursday, the group's steering committee announced that members of Glasgow Friends of Israel (GFI) and the Confederation of Friends of Israel in Scotland (COFIS) were 'not welcome' at future events due to their support for Israel and organisations such as Reform UK. This is the latest development in a years-long row over the inclusion of the two pro-Israel groups. SUTR has organised a range of events in recent years. (Image: Colin Mearns) In a statement posted to X, the committee wrote: 'We wish to publicly clarify beyond any doubt that the Glasgow Friends of Israel and COFIS groups are NOT WELCOME at SUTR Scotland events. 'They have never been invited to any SUTR event, spoken as part of any SUTR platform, or been part of discussions with SUTR Scotland. 'SUTR aims to unite people of all faiths, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and none, against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and the far-right, and they are all welcome at our events and initiatives.' GFI, which describes itself as 'a grassroots organisation that supports the right of Israel to democratic self-determination,' runs an information stall on Buchanan Street every Saturday. The group regularly posts on Facebook about interactions with supporters, as well as with pro-Palestine demonstrators, who they have called 'hate groups' and 'terrorist lovers.' COFIS was set up in 2020 to counteract 'lazy and biased reporting in the media' and the 'careless words' of politicians, which they claim leads to "antisemitism and prejudice.' It consists of pro-Israel groups in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. The groups have been criticised for their support of Israel and its government, led by President Benjamin Netanyahu. The SUTR committee noted: 'The focus of SUTR Scotland's campaigning activities involves building broad-based mass anti-racist action in solidarity with refugees and migrants, supporting justice campaigns against police and institutional racism, and facilitating a united response to the Islamophobic and antisemitic far-right, fascist groups, and particularly now the threat of Reform UK.' 'However, we reject the presence of GFI and COFIS, organisations whose activity involves justifying and applauding the actions by the state of Israel, which is engaged in carrying out genocide, apartheid and ethnic cleansing.' The SUTR committee went on to criticise GFI's relationship with Reform UK councillor Thomas Kerr, who has been photographed visiting the stall and has expressed support for the group on social media. The statement noted: 'No organisation that supports [Reform UK], which is trying to convince millions of voters that refugees, migrants and Muslims are to blame for society's problems, and in the process opening the door to dangerous fascist forces, is welcome at SUTR Scotland events.' Reform councillor Thomas Kerr has backed the group. (Image: Newsquest) The ongoing row dates back several years. In a 2023 post on their website, COFIS alleged that members of two Scottish pro-Israel groups had been sent to the back of a SUTR anti-racist march and told they were not welcome due to their views. The post read: 'On 18 March 2023, members of Glasgow Friends of Israel and Highland Friends of Israel assembled in George Square for the start of this year's march. 'Although there had been liaison with Police Scotland to ensure their protection, any 'Zionist' who dared to try and join the mainstream march was forcefully told by organisers that they were not welcome and ordered to the back, where they were separated from the rest of the marchers by a line of stewards.' Read more: Cool-headed John Swinney pulls out trump card ahead of high stakes summit Scottish Greens slam John Swinney's 'tragic' plans to meet with Donald Trump 'A grim reality': Glasgow City Council spent £106m to house homeless last year However, SUTR has previously been criticised for 'failing' to publicly denounce the groups. In 2024, a group called Scotland Against Criminalising Communities (SACC) refused to attend a SUTR march due to concerns over GFI and COFIS's attendance. The group wrote: "SACC is one of a number of organisations that, as in previous years, will be staying away from the march because of the failure by SUTR Scotland to state that Friends of Israel groups will not be welcome on the march." COFIS and GFI have been approached for comment.
The National
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Anti-racism rally and music event set for Glasgow this weekend
Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) have organised an 'Aye Welcome Refugees' march through the city centre on Saturday, June 21, followed by the free We All Belong Carnival in the Old Fruitmarket. Attendees are expected to gather in Barrowland Park around 12pm before the march takes off, followed by a short rally ahead of the music event. Around 2000 people are set to join, with SUTR organising bus transport from Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen for those wishing to attend. Whilst Glasgow City Council have not announced any formal roadblocks, Police Scotland are expected to implement rolling closures throughout the day. Which roads will be affected? The final route has not been confirmed, but the following streets are set to be affected: Moir Street London Road Trongate Glassford Street Ingram Street South Frederick Street South George Square St. Vincent Place St. Vincent Street Renfield Street Union Street Argyle Street Queen Street Candleriggs Who is performing? The family-friendly carnival, organised by Love Music Hate Racism Glasgow, will kick off after the march concludes. A number of stalls and activities, like henna tattooing, face painting, balloon artistry and puppeteering. Several Scottish acts will perform, with the lineup featuring Iona Fyfe, Pilgrims Society, Mellow Party and Cabaret Against The Hate's Tom Harlow. Why now? Saturday's festivities have been organised to mark World Refugee Day, which falls on Friday June 20. In a statement posted to social media, SUTR said: "Our movement fights our government's involvement in the wars that create refugees. "We also stand in solidarity with refugees trying to rebuild their lives while being scapegoated and demonised by the very same politicians.' The focus of World Refugee Day 2025 is solidarity with refugees, with the UNHRC stressing the importance of honouring refugees 'not just with words but with actions'. Who has endorsed it? A number of trade unions and charity organisations have endorsed Saturday's events. RMT, Glasgow Trades Council and West Lothian Trades Council are among the unions who have voiced their support. Charities such as Refuweegee and Stop The War Scotland have also expressed support.
