Anti-fascist march for Wishart

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart will be joining anti-fascist protesters in Perth on Sunday in a counter demonstration against the Scottish Defence League.

The SNP politician said:“I am very disappointed that the Scottish Defence League will be on the streets of Perth on Sunday with their message of hate in an attempt to whip up anti-Islamic feeling amongst our community.

“Perth enjoys fantastic community relations and will want absolutely nothing to do with these handful of fascists who have nothing whatsoever to do with our city.

“It is important that they do not secure the Perth streets to themselves and fascists must always be opposed. I am not prepared to stand back and allow them to intimidate my constituents and try and spread their hate in our beautiful city.”

He added:“My Parliamentary office sits below the current mosque and over the years I have assisted Perth’s Islamic community in finding new more suitable premises.

“The new premises they have secured in Jeanfield Road will allow them to develop their service in much more conducive surroundings for worship. They should be able to secure this move without being exposed to this racist vitriol.”

Ochil and South Perthshire MP Luke Graham, who will not be present on Sunday due to prior commitments at the Think North Conference, praised Police Scotland.

The Conservative representative said: “I’ve been in touch with the police and the way that they’ve supported the community is very commendable.

“I understand that people have a right to freedom of expression, but above all, everyone has a right for an adequate place of worship.

“We’re not used to protests like this in Perthshire, so it will be very interesting to see if this is going to become a trend or just a blip.”