On Saturday 23 August, I joined a counter-protest, organised by Perth Against Racism, supported by Stand up to Racism – Scotland, trade unions, community groups, faith organisations and others, which took place outside a local hotel in Perth. Around 300 people, recognising a rise in far-right activity, rallied to defend refugees and confront around 150 far-right protesters.
Staff and asylum seekers inside the hotel were left frightened by the protests, with some unable to leave during the demonstration.
“Protect women and children” claims challenged
The far-right protesters claimed they were there to “protect women and children” and demanded that asylum seekers be sent back. However, tensions rose when we witnessed one man harassing a woman called Charlotte, a member of Stand Up to Racism.
One witness commented to me, “As a photographer, I captured the moment when one angry fascist started misbehaving with Charlotte. If they were really gathered to protect women, how could they justify this behaviour in front of hundreds of people?”
Misunderstanding asylum
Campaigners stressed that many of those protesting were unaware that asylum seekers housed in hotels are placed there by the Home Office, usually on a temporary basis, and that during this period they are not allowed to work.
“Blaming them for being in hotels and not working is deeply unfair,” one campaigner explained. “They have no power over these laws. Only recently have some asylum seekers been allowed to work, and only in shortage occupations.”
Similar far-right protests were reported across the UK on the same day.
Political response
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“I am pleased people in #Perth have shown their solidarity with those who are fleeing conflict. Grateful to @PeteWishart SNP and @PerthandKinross leadership of all parties for their words.”
Pete Wishart MP, who addressed the anti-racism rally, criticised far-right figures including Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson:
“People like Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson are trying to use the concerns of British people to turn against the most vulnerable. We will be here every weekend if necessary to show support and solidarity. Look at the station across there – pathetic turnout in numbers. They are trying to divide the community. We will continue to show support to make sure refugees are supported.”
Charlotte, from Stand Up to Racism, also condemned the UK Government’s role in fuelling anti-immigrant hostility:
“Isn’t it a shame that we have come to this point in this country, where the Prime Minister and the British Government are tail ending this anti-immigrant racism? Shame on Keir Starmer. You are the one to blame for people feeling confident to come into our streets and speak racism and fascism. Now it’s up to us – ordinary people, communities, trade unions, faith groups and charities – to unite against fascists.”
Protest ends in solidarity
The far-right protest began at 11am and dispersed by 1pm, while anti-fascist campaigners continued for another hour, celebrating their victory with chants of, “Say it loud, say it clear – refugees are welcome here” and “This is what community looks like.”
At the close of the demonstration, campaigners wrote condolence messages for Mohammad, a young Afghan man who recently lost his life in a swimming accident. Stand Up to Racism – Scotland announced an emergency online meeting, “How We Stop Reform, Robinson and the Far Right”, which was scheduled for Tuesday 26 August at 7pm. More than 200 people attended with an atmosphere of concern about what is going on. Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer, spoke about how fascists were successfully defeated in their attempts to change the refugee and immigration narrative in the past, and how the group can defeat Reform with collective effort.
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