Glasgow has long been known as a multi-cultural city of compassion and solidarity. It is a city that has proudly welcomed refugees from all around the world and it has a well-deserved reputation for having a supportive environment. As someone who was present at the rally last weekend, I saw scenes that do not represent the Glasgow so many of us know and love. The violence, intimidation and abuse related to this far-right demonstration left many Glaswegians worried and thinking whether or not every person genuinely feels secure in our city.
Rather than celebrating the values of cohesion for the duration of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, merchant city festival and preparing themselves for upcoming events like Govanhill festival, the world instead witnessed scenes of division and disorder that risk damaging Glasgow’s international reputation.
Reported attacks and incidents
During the demonstration, pro-refugee supporters were reportedly targeted with eggs, including some containing corrosive substances, as well as bottles, pieces of wood and other objects. These scenes created fear and placed many people at risk of serious injury.
A delivery driver had a traffic cone thrown at him while individuals chanted “Get them out.”
According to media reports, the driver was lawfully working in Glasgow and has since been left fearful following the incident.
On 22 July, a woman wearing a hijab was reportedly attacked with a glass bottle by four male youths.
According to reports, the attackers demanded that she remove her hijab before assaulting her. The victim required stitches following the attack.
No one should be targeted because of their faith or the way they choose to dress.
Racially motivated abuse
Reports also indicated that several ethnic minority individuals were targeted, including a Black man who was simply passing through the area.
Such incidents cause fear not only for those directly affected but for entire communities who begin to question whether they are safe in public spaces.
Police officers assaulted
Police officers carrying out their duties were also reportedly assaulted while attempting to maintain public order.
Violence against emergency service workers is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Intimidation outside Glasgow Central Mosque
There were attempts to approach and intimidate worshippers near Glasgow Central Mosque, as well as people who had gathered in support of refugees and asylum seekers.
We witnessed individuals displaying symbols and gestures associated with Nazism, causing significant distress among those present.
Concerns about outside agitators
According to reporting in the Scottish press, some individuals involved had travelled from England to attend the demonstration.
I spoke to local residents who commented that a significant number of those involved did not appear to be Glaswegians.
If accurate, this raises important questions about organised extremist activity and its impact on local communities.
The responsibility of public representatives
It was particularly disappointing to see Audrey Dempsey, Reform councillorspeak at the rally.
At a time when many ethnic minority residents are already feeling vulnerable following repeated racist incidents, public representatives have an important responsibility to reduce tensions, encourage respectful dialogue and to promote community cohesion.
Calls for stronger action against extremism
Maggie Chapman MSP stated:
“I would support the proscription of such groups, to ensure we have the powers we need to prevent attacks on people of colour, on civic and community cohesion, and on our democratic institutions.”
Her comments reflect growing concern about organised extremist groups and the threat they pose to public safety and democratic values.
I fully support Chapman’s proposal and believe it deserves support across parties.
Now is the time for all political parties to come together, put differences aside, and make a collective decision to prevent rallies and gatherings that incite hatred, intimidation, racism, or violence.
Whilst peaceful democratic protest is an important right, Scotland should remain a place where everyone can live in safety and dignity, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or immigration status. There should be no place for events that promote fear, threaten communities, or encourage violence.
Working together across party lines would send a strong message that hatred and intimidation have no place in our society
Questions for Glasgow City Council
These events raise serious questions that deserve public discussion.
I urge Glasgow City Councilto reflect carefully on the decisions surrounding this event.
- Were sufficient measures put in place to protect ethnic minority communities?
- Could more have been done to prevent disorder and intimidation?
- Why was permission granted for this protest at a time when Glasgow was welcoming international athletes, visitors and media for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?
These are legitimate questions that deserve transparent answers.
An international embarrassment
The timing of these events could hardly have been worse.
According to reports in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian athletes competing in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Gameswere advised not to wear their national uniforms while training in the city for their own safety.
The report stated that middle-distance runner Ollie Hoareencountered the scene of a fatal incident while out on a training run.
It also referenced the violent clashes that occurred during Saturday’s anti-immigration protest in Glasgow city centre.
Separately, police launched a murder investigation after Paul McMinigal, aged 44, was found seriously injured on Burgher Street and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, demonstrations involving more than 1,700 peopleresulted in scenes of disorder, violence and intimidation that attracted international media attention.
This is not the image Glasgow should be presenting to the world during an international sporting event, or indeed at any time.
Police appeal for public evidence following Glasgow disorder
A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers. Police Scotland made an appeal to anyone with footage or photos of criminality related to the disorder in Glasgow on Saturday to upload it using the online form.
The Glasgow we believe in
Glasgow has earned its reputation as a city of welcome through decades of solidarity with people from different backgrounds, faiths and cultures.
Everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality or religion deserves to feel safe walking our streets, travelling to work, attending their place of worship or supporting peaceful demonstrations.
Hatred and intimidation must never become normal.
Instead, Glaswegians stood together and showed the world what true solidarity looks like.
Thousands of Glaswegians chose unity over division, compassion over hatred, and hope over fear.
That is the Glasgow we know.
That is the Glasgow we must continue to protect.
On 28 July we marked the anniversary of one of the world’s most important human rights commitments: the 1951 Refugee Convention. On this Human Rights anniversary, allow us to recommit ourselves to compassion, understanding, and the values of justice, humanity, and appreciation for worldwide law. Human rights belong to everyone.
