Protestors gathered at Buchanan Street to oppose a rally organised by the UK Independence Party (UKIP), billed as a “mass deportation” march.
16:25, 26 Jul 2025Updated 16:26, 26 Jul 2025
Hundreds of people have gathered in Glasgow city centre to oppose a ‘mass deportation’ rally.
Hundreds of people have gathered in Glasgow city centre to oppose a ‘mass deportation’ rally.
Protestors came together on July 26 on Buchanan Street to oppose a rally organised by the UK Independence Party (UKIP), billed as a “mass deportation” march.
In a post announcing the march, UKIP said the demonstration would “send a message to Holyrood that we are taking our country back,” adding: “the people of Glasgow demand mass-deportations.”
UKIP estimated 200 would attend the march through the city centre.
The party has never had any elected representatives in Glasgow. It has not represented any Scottish seat at Westminster, and has never had a member elected to Holyrood.
At the general election in 2024, UKIP did not stand a single candidate in Glasgow. Councillor Dan Hutchison, elected representative of Govan, called on the council to ban the “fascist” march.
The Green Party councillor said: “I believe the actions and words of the organisers are an incitement to violence and a risk to public safety and order on our streets. UKIP use phrases like “these streets are our streets” and “we will protect ourselves”.
“Well, they aren’t their streets, they belong to the people of Glasgow. And we don’t want fascists calling for our friends and neighbours to be deported.”
The counter protest, attended by trade unionists, faith organisations, and other anti-racist and anti-fascists, was organised by Stand Up to Racism Scotland, reports Glasgow Live.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sharing a video of the demo to social media, they said: “Hundreds of anti-fascists and anti-racists from the trade unions, community and faith organisations have answered the call to say that fascists “shall not pass” in Glasgow.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “We are aware of the event due to be held in Glasgow City Centre and an appropriate policing plan is in place to maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest and minimise disruption.
“Officers will engage with groups to ensure their rights to assembly and freedom of expression however, abusive or threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt an event that poses a risk to safety is not legitimate protest and will not be tolerated and action will be taken where necessary.”