Trade union demo celebrates diversity for St Andrew's

Morning Star by Malcolm Burns | Monday, 30 November 2009 | Click here for original article

Anti-fascists marched through the centre of Glasgow in large numbers on Saturday to celebrate Scotland's diverse and multiracial cultures in the traditional St Andrew's Day march and rally.

The march set off from St Andrew's in the Square, off Saltmarket, for a rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Rose Street.

The annual event - organised by the Scottish TUC - followed a successful demo two weeks ago which, with excellent police liaison and support, effectively stopped the racist Scottish Defence League from taking to the streets.

Marching together behind the STUC black workers' committee banner proclaiming "an injury to one is an injury to all" were STUC general secretary Grahame Smith, Scotland Secretary Jim Murphy MP and his deputy Ann McKechin MP.

An excellent turnout was enlivened by a large number of trade union banners and representatives of many political parties and civic bodies.

Hundreds of people crowded into the rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre after the march.

The rally was chaired by Sofi Taylor of UNISON - a former chairwoman of the STUC black workers' committee. Speakers included Cathy Pound of the anti-fascist Hope not Hate campaign who welcomed support from political parties and unions for her organisation's growing Scottish network to mobilise against the BNP in the forthcoming general election.

Mr Smith said: "There is no place in Scotland for the extremist defence leagues, their vile views and their hatred of our Muslim community.

"Their attacks on Muslims should not be tolerated in our multicultural Scottish society.

"In fighting for a future free from racism we are proud of our record as trade unionists in challenging the racism and bigotry that exists in our society, but we cannot afford to be complacent."

Mr Murphy said: "It is right that we tackle racist and fascist views and show to the world that Scotland is against racism.

"Racism has no place in a modern society and the vast majority of people in Scotland embrace equality and diversity openly."

The rally also received messages of support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and First Minister Alex Salmond.