"No place for hate in Scotland" Anti-racism campaigners' message for far-right thugs at defiant demo

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Anti-racism campaigners told far-right thugs there is no place for hate in Scotland today after a defiant demo in Paisley. Around 300 supporters of Stand up to Racism gathered outside the Watermill Hotel to show their support for the asylum seekers who are living inside.SUTR organised the counter-protest after far-right activists from the Scottish Defence Group called on supporters to meet at the site on Friday evening to protest against "hundreds of illegal fighting aged men being housed in our communities that are a danger to our children".Posting on TikTok from an account that had around 2,300 followers before being deleted, the SDG had also shared information about similar events in Aberdeen, East Kilbride, Glasgow and Greenock for this weekend.However, the group failed to show, with SUTR members claiming they were "scared and outnumbered".

Around 20 police officers were seen in the area, ready to step in if any SDG thugs arrived.The anti-fascist activists gathered in crowds to defend those inside The Watermill, chanting: "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here".Terrified families peered out of windows, holding up banners thanking the crowds who turned up to protect them.

One poster read: 'Respect. Thank You.' Men could be seen waving and making peace signs as the group outside chanted 'No place for racism'.Activist Jen Bell spoke to the crowd, saying she was "here in solidarity with all of her brothers and sisters".

She added: "We are working-class people who are here to show our support to all refugees. There is no place for racism in this country. "We want to show the people living in this hotel that they are welcome in Scotland.