Latest news with #StopReform2026
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
'Scotland is not an island of strangers', says Humza Yousaf
Speaking at the Stand Up To Racism 'Stop Reform 2026' summit in The Boardwalk, Glasgow, Yousaf stressed the need to mobilise against growing far-right rhetoric, emboldened by Reform and Keir Starmer's language regarding immigration, whilst highlighting the contributions made to Scotland by migrants over several decades. Yousaf criticised Starmer's language in a speech which drew comparisons to Enoch Powell, saying: "Let me be absolutely clear, Prime Minister: Scotland is not an island of strangers. "We are a nation that is proud of its many cultures, many languages, many threads. That tartan, each colour, each strand is different, but woven together to something strong, something beautiful, that we are proud of in Scotland." READ MORE: Labour have 'given up' on by-election amid SNP-Reform contest, says John Swinney The Glasgow Pollok MSP also spoke at length about the contributions from and importance of migrants in Scotland and the rest of the UK. 'This country could not survive without immigrants. This continent requires immigration if we are to prosper", he said. 'I ask you, in the 1960s, who drove the buses that kept this city moving? Immigrants. Who kept the factories running when there was labour shortages, like my grandfather, who worked in the Singer Sewing Machine factory in Clydebank? 'It's immigrants today, when our loved ones need care, be that in the NHS or social care system — who is there, propping up our vital public services? Immigrants. 'When the crops need picking, the parcels need delivering, children need teaching, who's ready and willing to put in the hard graft? Immigrants.' The SNP MSP went on to 'bust myths' peddled by anti-immigration rhetoric, noting the significant economic contributions made by migrants through taxes and job creation, as well as highlighting failures of the Tory government in replacing social housing lost through Thatcher's Right to Buy scheme. He added: 'Successive UK governments did that through austerity, through awful financial mismanagement, like Trussonomics, through a lack of political courage. 'So let's bust another myth while we're here: migrants aren't taking your jobs. Migrants are creating your jobs.' Yousaf also criticised Nigel Farage's recent attacks on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, stating that whilst their political views differ, Sarwar 'loves Scotland infinitely more than Nigel Farage'. Yousaf, Anwar and Foyer were joined by Labour councillor Matt Kerr at the sold-out event (Image: Gordon Terris) Regarding the upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, he told The National: 'There has never been a more important moment to stand up against the advance of the far-right. 'Scotland, I am afraid, is not immune to the rise of populism, and next Thursday's by-election in Hamilton will be a key moment, where I hope, the good people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will roundly reject the politics of racial division. 'We need to wake up to the fact that Farage's Reform are gaining support. Those of us who are progressive, and believe in inclusive values, need to organise, mobilise and most importantly articulate an alternative vision to what Farage is offering. 'We need to articulate a vision rooted in hope, that is bold, radical and promises to make the lives of the majority better. 'If we do that, then we can stop the rise of the far-right. If not, well, the alternative does not bear thinking about.' READ MORE: Why the UK media 180 on Gaza is too little, too late Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar also gave a speech at the summit, where he criticised First Minister John Swinney and Police Scotland's handling of the recent Kneecap controversies, which saw the Irish rap trio axed from the TRNSMT lineup. Anwar said: 'A message also for John Swinney and Police Scotland over Kneecap: mind your own business. 'Don't tell us what we can listen to. You stopped Kneecap, while only days earlier the police protected fascists on our streets. 'You are punishing Kneecap for speaking out against Israel's genocide in Gaza, but when will you stop the arms trade? When will you hold the politicians who armed the genocide accountable?'
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Everything you need to know about the 'Stop Reform' Glasgow summit
Following the success of Reform UK and Nigel Farage in the recent English council elections, Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) is hosting a "Stop Reform 2026" summit ahead of next year's Scottish Government election. The day will build towards the launch of the official campaign, aiming to build a "mass movement" to challenge the nationwide rise of fascist and racist rhetoric before the election takes place. Where will it be held? The summit will take place from 11am until 5pm on Saturday, May 31, in The Boardwalk on Glasgow's Brunswick Street. It is a ticketed event and will feature a range of speakers and workshops throughout the day. Who is speaking at the summit? There are a number of speakers listed for the morning plenary, including: Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer Humza Yousaf, former First Minister Roz Foyer, STUC general secretary Samira Ali, SUTR nationwide organiser Matt Kerr, Scottish Labour councillor for Cardonald Why now? In a social media post announcing the summit, SUTR said: 'Nigel Farage claims to be a 'man of the people', but he is a tax-dodging millionaire who attended one of the most expensive private schools in Britain. Reform has pledged to cut taxes for the largest corporations, cuts for public services and it tries to point the finger away from the rich. 'In Scotland, polls project Reform could enter the Scottish parliament in the May 2026 election with up to 15 MSPs. 'We say this is not inevitable. Mass campaigning and anti-racist organising has helped turn the tide against the far-right before — and we can do it again.' The summit will feature a number of workshops such as detailing how culture can help 'turn the tide' against prejudice, trade unions against racism and justice for Sheku Bayoh — a Black Lives Matter in Scotland workshop. There will also be a break where attendees can visit picture galleries and stalls hosted by campaign groups involved in the summit. Final tickets for those wishing to attend are available here.
The National
4 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Everything you need to know about the 'Stop Reform' Glasgow summit
Following the success of Reform UK and Nigel Farage in the recent English council elections, Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) are hosting a "Stop Reform 2026" summit ahead of next year's Scottish Government election. The day will build towards the launch of the official campaign, aiming to build a "mass movement" to challenge the nationwide rise of fascist and racist rhetoric before the election takes place. Where will it be held? The summit will take place from 11am until 5pm on Saturday, May 31, in The Boardwalk on Glasgow's Brunswick Street. It is a ticketed event and will feature a range of speakers and workshops throughout the day. Who is speaking at the summit? There are a number of speakers listed for the morning plenary, including: Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer Humza Yousaf, former First Minister Roz Foyer, STUC general secretary Samira Ali, SUTR nationwide organiser Matt Kerr, Scottish Labour councillor for Cardonald READ MORE: Labour minister backs down after comparing Reform and parts of media to Nazis Why now? In a social media post announcing the summit, SUTR said: 'Nigel Farage claims to be a 'man of the people', but he is a tax-dodging millionaire who attended one of the most expensive private schools in Britain. Reform has pledged to cut taxes for the largest corporations, cuts for public services and it tries to point the finger away from the rich. 'In Scotland, polls project Reform could enter the Scottish parliament in the May 2026 election with up to 15 MSPs. 'We say this is not inevitable. Mass campaigning and anti-racist organising has helped turn the tide against the far-right before — and we can do it again.' READ MORE: Labour Government plan to teach 'importance of UK military' in schools The summit will feature a number of workshops such as detailing how culture can help 'turn the tide' against prejudice, trade unions against racism and justice for Sheku Bayo — a Black Lives Matter in Scotland workshop. There will also be a break where attendees can visit picture galleries and stalls hosted by campaign groups involved in the summit. Final tickets for those wishing to attend are available here.
