Stand Up to Racism protesters clash with demonstrators on Buchanan Steps amid a tense standoff during the nationwide “Great British National Strike” on May 24, a movement widely characterised as opposing asylum seekers arriving in the UK by boat.
A woman holds a sign reading “I am a concerned grandparent #notfarright” during a protest on Buchanan Steps as part of the nationwide “Great British National Strike” on May 24, 2025. The movement, organised by former British Army soldier Richard Donaldson, has stated aims including stopping what it describes as an “invasion” and removing the Labour Party from government. While widely characterised as right-wing, protesters rejected the label, saying they are concerned about the future of their families.
Two protesters engage in a heated debate as police attempt to separate them, May 24, 2025
A boy holds a sign with the message “Stop the Boats!” Referencing asylum seekers and refugees who have come to the UK on small boats, May 24, 2025.
Demonstrators returning from a “Mass deportation” rally, where UKIP leader Nick Tenconi spoke, are kettled by police to keep them separated from “Stand Up to Racism” demonstrators. During the standoff, one man in the crowd is seen raising his arm in a gesture resembling a Nazi salute, 26 July, 2025. The “mass deportation” event was part of a UK wide tour for Nick Tenconi. One arrest was reported from this rally.
Counter-protesters from “Stand Up to Racism” gather on Buchanan Street on July 26, 2025. Police kept groups apart to prevent clashes with those attending a UKIP “mass deportation” rally, part of a nationwide tour by UKIP leader Nick Tenconi. The events were met with counter- protests across the UK.
People queue outside Glasgow City Mission during a lunchtime service. The Christian charity, founded in 1926, has focused on supporting Glasgow’s homeless population since the 80s. As part of their services, the Mission provides daily meals of lunch and dinner, serving hundreds of people each day. With many refugees and asylum seekers housed in temporary accommodation and unable to cook for themselves, a significant number of those attending are seeking both a meal and a sense of community. Many asylum seekers who relied on this support from City Mission end up volunteering to cater these meals.
Mohammad from Syria volunteers in the kitchen at Glasgow City Mission weekly cooking meals for thousands of Glasgow's homeless and asylum seekers like him who are stuck in temporary housing and unable to work.
Guests at Glasgow City Mission attend an English as a second language class for beginners. These classes are run by volunteers and attended by people within the asylum system unable to get a place at local college classes.
Classes are often informal, with language learning unfolding through conversation, humour, and the relationships formed between locals and newcomers. In this class they play the card game UNO together.
Classes are often informal, with language learning unfolding through conversation, humour, and the relationships formed between locals and newcomers. In this class they play the card game UNO together.
Local Scots, students and asylum seekers attend English as a second language classes at Refuweegee. Founded in response to the arrival of refugees during the Syrian crisis, Refuweegee now supports a wider community, with many of its services also open to people experiencing homelessness.
Munira (name changed) and her daughter volunteer nearly everyday at Refuweegee while also using their communal kitchen, rest and games space. This space is open to everyone, homeless people in Glasgow but is mostly used by asylum seekers looking for a third space to relax outside of their asylum hotels.
Protesters from the group “Unite the Clans” shout at Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right demonstrators outside Holyrood in Edinburgh. The group, previously known as “Aberdeen Against Illegal Immigration,” organised a rally outside of the Scottish Parliament focused on economic concerns and national identity in relation to illegal migration. Police separated the two crowds to prevent violent clashes. March 21, 2026.
Women against the Far right join a Stand Up to Racism protest to counter a rally held by group“Unite the Clans”, March 21, 2026. Women against the far right came into prominence in September of 2025 aiming to counter the rise of far-right, anti- immigrant narratives that use "women’s safety" to justify racism. Activists have used the movement to highlight the hypocrisy of far- right actors who champion anti- migrant policies.
Independent councillor for Falkirk Laura Murtagh photographed outside the Cladhan Hotel, which houses around 90 asylum seekers and has been the site of repeated anti-immigration protests. In response, counter-protesters part of “Falkirk for All” have gathered regularly outside the hotel in support of those staying there. Laura has regularly joined “Falkirk for All” but has faced severe backlash and threats from anti- immigration activists for her stance. She has been labelled a “traitor” online for speaking out. For her own safety, Laura now wears a body camera while in public. “The idea that the people in the hotel aren’t worthy of our love and empathy is crazy. Anyone who is taking a human approach is a traitor to them (anti-immigration activists).”
A mother, her son and their dog sit together eating lunch and cheering on the “Stand Up to Racism” protesters outside of Holyrood nearby during clashes between opposing groups.
Stand Up To Racism activist Zamard Zahid (centre) marches alongside trade union representatives towards Buchanan Steps during a “day of rage against Reform” following the Scottish Parliament elections on 9 May 2026. At the event, Zahid said: “We the people of Scotland reject you and everything you stand for.”
Protesters hold a banner reading “Farage Not Welcome in Scotland” at the start of a Stand Up To Racism demonstration called following the Scottish Parliament elections, in which Reform won 17 seats. (09/05/26)
Anne (centre) carries the banner for the Glasgow Southside branch of Stand Up To Racism during the protest following the Scottish Parliament elections on 9 May 2026. A teacher, she joined the group last year after seeing far-right movements targeting schools. “I’m proud that we didn’t vote Reform in our constituency, but we can’t be complacent,” she said. Reform secured 17 seats in the Scottish elections, tying with Scottish Labour as the second-largest party.
At a Stand Up To Racism protest in Glasgow on 9 May 2026, a man holds a sign reading “One Love” during a demonstration held after the Scottish Parliament elections.
Activists sit on the street during a “day of rage against Reform” organised by Stand Up To Racism in Glasgow on 9 May 2026, following the Scottish Parliament elections.
The Immigration Debate (2025-2026)
Immigration, the far right, and women became defining features of Scotland’s public and political life in the lead-up to the local parliament elections in Scotland.
Once seen as a progressive outlier compared to the rest of the UK, immigration and asylum emerged as increasingly prominent issues. At the same time, charities and local communities have responded to the needs of both residents and asylum seekers. Beyond these efforts, a more visible politics has played out on the streets of Scotland’s major cities, where anti-immigration demonstrations have been met with fierce opposition from anti- racism groups. At the election, Reform, an anti-immigration party widely seen as having right wing views became the second largest party tying with Scottish Labour for the first time showing it is likely to remain a feature of Scotland’s political landscape.