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Anti-Asylum Protests in Glasgow Met with Counter-Demonstrations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Protests by anti-asylum groups in Glasgow were countered by anti-racist campaigners, trades unions, and other activists, leading to a dramatic scene in the city centre. The anti-asylum rally, dubbed "Glasgow Rises Unity Rally," was organized by podcaster Craig Houston and others, while the opposing rally, "Unity Rally," was organized by Stand Up to Racism Scotland and featured a mix of community groups, activists, and trades unions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The anti-asylum protest in Glasgow was countered by a larger crowd of anti-racist campaigners and trades unions, who held placards and chanted slogans like "refugees are welcome here."
  • The protest was organized by Craig Houston and others, with a Go Fund Me page raising over £1,300 to pay for "paid entertainers, dancers, marketing, equipment, flags, banners, and travel."
  • The anti-asylum groups were seen holding banners dedicated to late American political activist Charlie Kirk, while the far-right group Patriotic Alternative also displayed a banner.
  • The protests are part of a broader trend of anti-asylum protests in Scotland, with recent clashes in Glasgow, Falkirk, and London.
  • The Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures group has organized weekly demonstrations against the use of the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk to house asylum seekers.
  • Police Scotland has confirmed a protest is planned in Glasgow on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with a proportionate policing plan in place to ensure public safety.

Statistics:

  • £1,300: The amount raised by the Go Fund Me page set up by the "Unity Rally" to cover costs for the protest.
  • 150: The number of UKIP members who marched in Glasgow in July, preceding the recent protests.
  • 1,000+: The estimated numbers of anti-racist demonstrators who turned out to protest the UKIP march in Glasgow in July.
  • 3: The number of cities in which the "mass deportations tour" led by Nick Tenconi has marched, including London, Nottingham, and Liverpool.

Sources:

  • "Asylum seeker hotel protests are 'completely unacceptable' says John Swinney"
  • "Who is behind the anti-asylum protests in Scotland and what do they hope to achieve?"
  • A Go Fund Me page set up by the "Unity Rally"

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