Recent events across Glasgow left many people frightened and concerned for their safety. Reports of violence, intimidation, and the targeting of ethnic minority communities created anxiety among families and individuals across the city.
Wednesday night (10 June) was a very worrying night for many people across Glasgow. Widespread incidents of violence on the streets were reported, including vandalism of bus stops, threats, and the targeting of black men, causing fear and vulnerability in many communities. Worshippers reportedly locked themselves in their places of worship to ensure their safety, unsure of what would happen next. As someone who leads an organisation that serves minority communities, my primary concern was and is the safety and well-being of the people we serve.
My first action was to send a message to our activity volunteers and participants telling them to stay safe, to stay indoors if possible, and to avoid unnecessary travel until the situation becomes clearer. These awful events happened overnight and caused fear and anxiety for many families. As the calls and messages spread, it became clear that many people were deeply afraid of what they were seeing and hearing.
Personal concern for my family
Personally, I was also worried about my mother. I didn’t want her to see videos of the scenes of violence and hostilities circulating on the Internet. She already has so much to worry about, including her physical health and overall well-being, and I couldn’t bear the thought of causing her any more pain or worry.
No mother should have to worry about her children’s safety because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or social background. Every parent should know that their children can safely, and without fear, walk the city streets.
Contribution of ethnic minority communities
It is also important to remember that the actions of an individual should never be used to judge an entire community. When someone commits a crime or causes harm, that person is solely responsible, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion. Collective blame is unfair, unjust, dangerous, and serves only to exacerbate divisions. The overwhelming majority of people from ethnic minority backgrounds work hard every day to contribute positively to society, to support their neighbours and to build stronger communities.
Over the years ethnic minority communities, including Muslims, have made a significant contribution not only to Glasgow but also to Scotland as a whole. We’ve volunteered, we’ve founded businesses, we’ve engaged in public service, we’ve supported charities, and we’ve helped build a more diverse and vibrant society. These are all things we continue to do. But some people feel that isolated incidents, like those we have seen recently, are being used to spread fear, cause chaos, and incite hatred against entire communities. Such reactions ignore the reality of who we are and what we contribute.
As someone who proudly represents Glasgow on an international platform, I have always chosen to represent the city I currently live in rather than focusing on my country of origin. Glasgow is my home. It’s a city I’m proud to speak about, and a city whose values I carry with me wherever I go. Those who seek to spread racism, division and hatred do not represent our community or the values that Glasgow stands for.
Standing together against fear and division
I spent all of Wednesday night worrying about my black and ethnic minority friends, classmates, colleagues and customers. I checked with people to make sure it was safe, that they were safe. I couldn’t sleep because I found out that there were a lot of people who were scared due to their ethnicity and what was going on on Glasgow’s streets. At times like these, we must reject hatred and stand together. We must continue to build cities where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. Glasgow’s true character is not defined by those who spread division, but by the countless people who choose solidarity, compassion and community every day.
Today, (11 June) I spoke to a taxi driver. He told me that he was so scared of the scenes unfolding that he went home early on Wednesday night. He usually works until 10 or 11 pm, but that day he decided to finish early because his fellow taxi drivers warned him about the incident. In fact, all of his fellow ethnic minority drivers went home early as well.
I have noticed that many people from ethnic minority backgrounds work in this profession. If they stop working because they fear for their safety, it will affect all of us, not just ethnic minorities.
This driver told me that he is avoiding travelling towards the city centre and wants to remain in areas where the far-right protests are not taking place.
Cross-party political response
Following these horrific incidents, there was a strong cross-party political response on social media, with representatives from the Scottish Labour Party, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Scottish Green Party all condemning the violence and expressing concern about the impact on communities across Glasgow. Their collective messaging highlighted the importance of unity, safety, and rejecting racism and division.
In a statement put out on Facebook, Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, said:
“The scenes we saw in Glasgow and other locations last night are completely unacceptable. Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities. No one should be made to feel scared in a place they call home, and the actions of those involved do not reflect Scotland’s values.
“I utterly condemn this behaviour and stand firmly against acts that stoke any form of violence and intolerance. And I want to be clear – racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in Scotland, and we must be united in standing against it.”
Paul Sweeney, who is the Glasgow regional MSP, also spoke to BBC Radio and addressed the situation in the Scottish Parliament, where he said:
“Last night, racist thugs stormed Glasgow city centre under the white nationalist slogan ‘White Lives Matter’.
“Members of the public were attacked and discriminated against because of the colour of their skin.
“Two police officers were injured. My prayers are with those who were attacked by the savage mob, and with the victims of the vicious, barbaric assault last night in Belfast. All those affected across the UK are in my thoughts today.
“Let me be clear: this shocking display of hate is the antithesis of the compassionate character and welcoming spirit of Glasgow and Glaswegians.
“Yet last night’s events were not a random outburst of bigotry and violence. They mark a further escalation in organised far-right riots that are becoming all too common in Scotland, from Perth to Peterhead, Falkirk, and Ayr.
“We are seeing the forces of hate emboldened on our streets, intimidating and harassing law-abiding citizens who have come to our country to build a better life. No one in Scotland should live in fear because of the colour of their skin or their religious beliefs.
“This bigotry must not be tolerated any longer. There is no place for this type of thuggery in Scotland, and we must be thoughtful and compassionate, not driven by impulses of hatred and bitterness.
“Regardless of colour and creed.”
The Glasgow we believe in: united against hatred
When fear knocked on our doors on Wednesday night, it was not our differences that protected us, it was our shared humanity. Let us ensure that every person, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion or social background, can call Glasgow home with dignity and free from fear.
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