REFUGEES WELCOME IN WISHAW
Town defy hate group
Dozens of people turned out to show Syrian refugees they are welcome in Wishaw - 24 hours after a far right group vowed to hold a rally in protest to the plans.
Having read last week’s article about the Scottish Defence League’s plans to hold a demonstration against refugees being offered homes with ‘back and front gardens’, Wishaw woman Martine Nolan and asked others to join her to show SDL’s message of hate would not be welcomed.
With less than 24 hours notice around 50 people, both young and old, turned out on Wishaw Main Street last Thursday evening with printed and handmade signs to show that Wishaw has a heart.
Community activist Martine said: “We will not let hatred define us. We welcome those who have had to leave their own homes due to war. Both political and non political, religious and non-religious people turned up to make their voices heard. It was a real cross-section of people, but all with the same frame of mind. I’d like to thank each and every person who has shown support.
Wishaw councillor Rosa Zambonini was in attendance, as well as those who will be seeking office in the forthcoming local elections; Anges Magowan, Angela Feeney and Fiona Fotheringham.
Rosa said: “In a very difficult
After protesting for 30 minutes, Central Scotland MSP Richard Leonard and Rev Moran wrapped up the evening with some inspirational words.
Martine added: “Despite the cold weather all those who had attended left with a sense of hope, that their stand would demonstrate to the SDL and others that the people of Wishaw do not want them to come here. They are the ones who are not welcome.”
Central Scotland Labour MSP Richard Leonard said: “I was delighted to stand firm with the local community and to send out the clear message that refugees are welcome here. People fleeing a war zone deserve to find peace and the chance of a fresh start. It was uplifting to see a cross-party, cross-faith, united demonstration of our common humanity. It was a real credit to the organisers and this community.”
Since the event was organised in less than 24 hours, not everyone who wanted to attend was able to.
Martine asks if anyone else would like to show their support they can still do this by posting a photograph of themselves to Facebook or Twitter with the hashtags #Wishawwelomesrefugees and #wishawwelcomes.