Hundreds attend Glasgow Green anti-immigration and counter protests

Hundreds of people have gathered in Glasgow for an anti-immigration rally and associated counter protest.

The Pink Ladies organised their event at Glasgow Green, prompting opposing groups, including Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), to arrange a counter protest.

The two groups were contained in separate areas on the eastern side of the park, both demonstrations separated by the People’s Palace and a heavy police presence.

Ch Sup Stevie Dolan warned of a “strong response” if there was any violence after flashpoints at a previous protest in the same park in July.

MSPs Alison Thewliss, a Scottish government minister, and Iris Duane were at the SUTR rally, with STUC general secretary Roz Foyer.

Speaking at the rally, Thewliss said she had received correspondence from people who had come to Scotland and “don’t feel safe”.

“It’s so important that we reach out to each and every person we see on the street, whether that’s a smile or whether that’s a handshake, or whether that is standing next to them if we see that they feel afraid,” she said.

“It is up to us all to make people feel safe and to stand up.”