We the undersigned express our extreme concern at our streets being used for the peddling of hatred. We vigorously oppose giving the Scottish Defence League (SDL), or any of their offshoots, permission to hold a public procession through Glasgow.

We understand that an application has gone in to Glasgow City Council and that the SDL are in discussions with the police and the local authority. We urge all authorities to reject this application on the grounds of public safety and moral decency.

With previous SDL and EDL processions we have witnessed mindless thugs attack shopkeepers, business owners and taxi drivers. While we passionately defend freedom of speech – regardless of how unpleasant it may be – we do not believe vile, toxic hate should be given free rein in our streets.

Glasgow has a proud history of fighting fascism and tackling racism. We are proud of our multicultural diversity and as such we wish to send out a loud and clear message that racism is not welcome in our city.

We seek your assurances that these concerns will be taken on board and that any application for the Scottish Defence League to march in our city’s streets will be rejected.
 

Initial Signatories
Humza Yousaf MSP (Glasgow)
Nicola Sturgeon MSP (Glasgow Southside)
Johann Lamont MSP Leader of Scottish Labour Party (Glasgow Pollok)
Ruth Davidson MSP Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
Patrick Harvie MSP Co-Convenor of the Scottish Green Party 
Willie Rennie MSP Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats 

Aamer Anwar – Human Rights Lawyer
Dave Watson UNISON Scottish Organiser
Dave Moxham STUC Assistant Secretary
Unite Scotland
Reverend Iain Galloway Convener, Church and Society Council, the Church of Scotland
Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
Dr Salah Beltagui Muslim Council of Scotland
Unite Against Fascism
James Dornan MSP (Glasgow Cathcart)
Bill Kidd MSP (Glasgow Anniesland)
Sandra White MSP (Glasgow Kelvin)
John Mason MSP (Glasgow Shettleston)
Bob Doris MSP (Glasgow)
Drew Smith MSP (Glasgow)
Elaine Smith MSP (Coatbridge & Chryston)
PCS Union
Society of Radiographers
FDA Union
CWU Scotland Regional Committee

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