Latest news with #Saltires
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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)
The National
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Thousands of independence supporters flood Glasgow's streets
Organised by All Under One Banner, one of Scotland's biggest independence campaigns, the rally left from Kelvin Way and made its way through some of the city's busiest streets, ending with an event at Glasgow Green. A pipe band led the march, with impressive displays of Saltires, Palestine flags and pride banners featuring the Lion Rampant following behind. The atmosphere was intense, with many participants feeling a sense of urgency as far-right ideologies become more mainstream and Scotland faces greater levels of poverty and unemployment — particularly in the wake of the Grangemouth oil refinery closure. READ MORE: John Swinney urged to put 'country before party' and join Independence Summit Iain Ferguson (below), 71, said: 'I think independence has always been important, but Britain is becoming an increasingly racist, vicious society. (Image: NQ) 'A lot of people placed their hopes in Starmer's Labour government, but actually, they're every bit as bad as the Tories. 'Now more than ever, with the disability cuts and the rise of Reform, we want to create a different kind of Scotland.' Helen Wilson (below), 70, said the loss of Grangemouth was particularly worrying when it comes to the question of independence. (Image: NQ) She added: 'John Swinney is a very nice, polite man, but he's too polite. 'He needs to rise up, he needs to speak out and get to Grangemouth — he was in New York for Tartan Week when he should have been down there, raising money to buy it back. 'Grangemouth should belong to us.' YesBikers for Scottish Independence led the end of the procession from High Street, through Saltmarket and to Glasgow Green. Participants were spread out on the grass in the sun, some with picnics, waiting for speeches from a number of pro-independence figureheads as well as performers like Amanda Brown and The Ronains. Corran Cobban, 18, and her brother Clyde, 16, have been attending independence rallies since they were children. Corran told The National: 'Independence is always going to be important, but the political landscape has changed a lot. 'I think a lot of people's opinions were shifted because of the EU referendum so I think we are owed another opportunity to show that we do want to be independent. 'It seems to be more of a background issue for Scottish politicians at the moment, and I think it needs to be pushed to the forefront and promoted more.' Eddy Graham (below), 54, called the need for independence a 'two plus two equals four, no brainer' issue. (Image: NQ) He added: 'Scotland's fucked without it. Why have we got such bleeding high energy bills when Scotland's such an energy rich country? Why is there so much poverty? Why are there so many social problems? 'These could all be solved, and Scotland could so easily be like Scandinavian countries, or even like Ireland where I'm originally from — a wealthy European country, member of the EU and everything that comes with that with a much more fair, balanced distribution of income.' SNP MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden Rona Mackay (below) was the first speaker of the afternoon. Speaking to The National, Mackay called the rise of Nigel Farage and the far-right 'worse than anybody could have imagined'. She added that the independence movement was 'clever enough not to fall for that,' but they should remain 'united enough to fight it anyway'. Kenny MacAskill, leader of the Alba Party, spoke out earlier on Saturday, calling for the First Minister to host an independence summit and urged other pro-independence parties to put 'country before party'. In a conversation with The National, MacAskill furthered McKay's sentiments: 'Turnout is up, the sun is out and the movement is coming back together. 'We've been seeing a lot of rallies where the crowds have been going down but I think we've turned the tide now and I think that's important because a year from now we've got the Holyrood elections. 'We've got to make that a plebiscite election, we've got to maximise the votes for independence and we've got to take our chance now because what's coming down the line now from south of the border is frightening.' In his speech, MacAskill (below) thanked independence campaigners across the country, like All Under One Banner and Hope Over Fear for 'keeping the dream alive'. He said: 'This movement is back because the need is great and the time is now.' MacAskill called the closure of Grangemouth 'simply scandalous', adding that Scottish people deserve access not just to renewable resources, but also to the jobs 'that should be there'. He added: 'There is going to be no second referendum — the British government, Tory and Labour have made that clear, and Farage echoes it. 'The Supreme Court has ruled out the opportunity for us to use it, but that doesn't mean we do nothing. 'What it does mean, is we use the strategy Alex [Salmond] bequeathed us and we take our destiny into our own hands.'
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rangers fan Christopher Potter takes final journey along Duke Street
HUNDREDS of people gathered in Dennistoun today to pay tribute to Rangers fan Christopher Potter ahead of his funeral. Christopher, 40, had travelled to Turkey earlier this month to watch the Light Blues take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League on March 6. However, the dad-of-three was tragically killed in a road traffic incident in Istanbul. READ NEXT: Christopher Potter (Image: Taken from Christopher's Facebook) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) Christopher, who was also known as Mr Duke Street, took his final journey along the Dennistoun street at around 10am today (March 29) ahead of his funeral at Daldowie Crematorium. Hundreds of people lined Duke Street to pay their respects to the popular local as the cortège travelled through the area. He was accompanied by the Dennistoun Rangers Flute Band while flags hung outside The Bristol Bar stated "Chris Potter, Rangers Royalty" and "Simply the best, Potter forever". Pictures taken today show people lined up along the pavements with many holding blue and white balloons while Rangers flags, Unions flags and Saltires hung from lampposts. READ NEXT: (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) Following his tragic death, Christopher's wife Holly shared a statement about the "devoted family man" who loved karaoke and was "the life and soul of every party". She said: "We are all absolutely devastated by the news about Christopher. He was a hard-working, devoted family man who always had time for those close to him. 'Never short of a smart or funny remark, he will be missed by everyone who knew him and will forever be in our hearts. 'He touched the lives of everyone he met, lived his life to the fullest, and was the life and soul of every party. 'He loved singing on the karaoke, and it was impossible to get the mic off him. He also loved his food and was well-known for sharing pics of his dinner amongst family and friends. 'As well as his family and friends, the other love of Christopher's life was his football team, Glasgow Rangers. 'The only comfort we have at the moment is that he was following the team he loved when he passed away. 'Christopher grew up in Dennistoun in the East End and was known as Mr Duke Street. I always used to joke about how annoying it was walking along Duke Street with him because he stopped to talk to so many people – he was so well-known and loved. 'I have been totally overwhelmed by the support I have received from everyone. The GoFundMe page that has been set up has raised an incredible amount. 'Of course, no amount of money will bring Christopher back, but it will be shared among his children. 'We would ask for time and privacy as a family as we try to cope with this unbearable news. "Fly high Christopher, we loved you so much.' (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) The Glasgow Times previously reported that a GoFundMe was set up following Christopher's death in a bid to raise money to support his family. Within one day, the amount raised surpassed £100,000. It was also reported that in the 40th minute of Rangers' match against Fenerbahce at Ibrox on March 13, Rangers supporters held a minute's applause. Several banners were draped in the Copland Stand during the match. One banner read: "Rest Easy Christopher Potter" while another read: "With the angels you'll be singing, our very special friend." (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry)
