STAY AWAY FROM OUR CENOTAPH
PLEA AS LOYALISTS PREPARE FOR PAISLEY DEMO
A loyalist demonstration organised for today has been condemned as anti- racism campaigners tell right- wing protesters: “You are not welcome in Paisley”.
Organised by the Loyalist Defence League, the Protect the Cenotaph protest is scheduled to take place in Paisley town centre today from noon, coinciding with similar demonstrations across Scotland.
Members have been gathering in response to the anti- racism protests taking place all over the country that have resulted in statues of historical figures being vandalised and pulled down due to their links with the slave trade.
A poster, right, circulating on the group’s social media called for people to gather to protect the Paisley war memorial.
Politicians and anti-racism campaigners
in Renfrewshire have slammed the group as “right wing fanatics” who are “trying to bring hatred to our streets”.
They also called for the people of Paisley to “reject bigotry, racism and fascism.”
Paisley man John Kelly has been a member of Stand Up To Racism for 20 years and organised a Black Lives Matter event at Paisley Abbey on Wednesday night which saw 50 people turn up and support the global movement.
He said he was horrified at the news of the protest today.
John, 62, said: “Having been encouraged by Paisley Buddies turning out on Wednesday evening to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement across the world, I am now horrified to learn that right wing thugs plan to surround our cenotaph on Saturday.
“As a trade union representative and activist in the EIS I condemn this event and want to make it clear they are not welcome in Paisley.”
Politicians also raised concerns that protests in the town could lead to violence following scenes in Glasgow this week.
Clashes broke out between Loyalist demonstrators and counter groups in George Square.
Neil Bibby, Labour MSP for the West of Scotland, said: “The scenes in Glasgow were sickening and we don’t want a repeat of that in Paisley or anywhere else in Scotland.
“This is an attempt by far-right groups to bring hatred on to our streets. I urge anyone thinking of attending to think again.”
Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South added: “I would advise people in Paisley and Renfrewshire South to continue following the Scottish Government’s phased approach to lifting us all out of lockdown at this time.
“The appalling scenes that we witnessed in George Square during the week have no place on the streets of Paisley. As a community we must reject bigotry, racism and fascism.”
Paisley MSP George Adam also made a plea to the public not to stage counter protests in the town.
He said: “I would advise everyone that we are still in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and that we do not need large gatherings of people anywhere. These thugs are just looking for a fight and have no interest in mainstream politics, the people of Paisley or our cenotaph.
“These people should be called out for what they are - right wing fanatics that will use anything to broadcast their message of hate. I would also encourage anyone wanting to counter-demonstrate to just ignore them.”
Police Scotland said there would be a “robust response” to any violence.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “We live in a democratic society and Police Scotland is absolutely committed to respecting people’s rights to freely and peacefully express their views.
“But what we saw on Wednesday in Glasgow, was people intent on hijacking a peaceful event and intent on violence and thuggery.
“It is completely and utterly unacceptable and we will not tolerate these scenes.”
A spokesman from The Loyalist Defence League said: “A few people local to the area have raised concerns to us via Facebook,Twitter and messaging services that after recent comments in regards to the BLM movement by politicians in the area and certain far left groups aligned to Antifa, there may be an attempt to daube graffitti or to physically damage the monument which in our eyes would be totally unacceptable.
“The violence that occurred during the week at George Square we played no part in and we didn’t have any involvement with the organisation of that particular protest.
“All we want is to peacefully protect the statues that we see as a symbol of British heritage.”