A recent demonstration in Perth city centre, protesting against immigration, has drawn sharp criticism from local political figures. The gathering, which took place near the city’s railway station on Saturday, was met by a larger counter-protest organised by community members advocating for diversity and support for refugees.
The anti-immigration protest followed a period of social media speculation concerning the potential increase in asylum seekers housed within Perth. Rumours circulated widely that up to 250 additional individuals might be accommodated in the city, prompting local authorities to issue a clarification last week. Perth and Kinross Council officials unequivocally debunked these claims, stating there were no current intentions to raise the existing number of 191 asylum seekers residing in the city’s Best Western Queens Hotel and The Station Hotel. These two establishments have served as temporary housing for asylum seekers since November 2021. Local Leaders Condemn Bigotry
Pete Wishart, the SNP Member of Parliament for Perth and Kinross-shire, expressed his deep disappointment regarding the anti-immigration demonstration. He highlighted the disparity in numbers between the two groups, praising the greater turnout for the counter-protest. Mr Wishart commended local residents who, in his words, ‘took stand against bigotry and intolerance,’ asserting that such sentiments are often ‘rooted in misinformation and fearmongering.’ He pledged his continued efforts to ‘debunk and reject’ these divisive attitudes, affirming that they have no place in Perth or indeed anywhere else.
Echoing these sentiments, Jim Fairlie, SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, also spoke out against the anti-immigration gathering. Mr Fairlie lauded the people of Perth for uniting to deliver a ‘clear message that racism has absolutely no place here.’ He underscored Perth’s historical tradition of offering sanctuary to those escaping conflict and persecution, emphasising that this ‘legacy of compassion and solidarity’ must be safeguarded. He concluded by stating that ‘attempts to divide our communities with hate and fear will not succeed.’
Police Scotland maintained a presence at the scene throughout the day, ensuring the peaceful conduct of both demonstrations. No reports of public disorder or disturbances were made. Protest Organiser Defends Stance
During the anti-immigration protest, participants displayed placards bearing slogans such as “Stop the boats” and “Perth is full, empty the hotels.” Lee Stronach, identified as one of the organisers of the anti-immigration demonstration, publicly defended their actions, robustly refuting any accusations of racism.
Mr Stronach voiced his conviction that the ‘UK, and more importantly Perth, is being overrun with illegal undocumented immigrants,’ claiming that ‘Perth is no longer safe.’ He asserted that their protest was ‘nothing about racism at all.’ Directing his criticism towards the local politicians, he stated that ‘Pete Wishart and Jim Fairlie are out of touch immensely from the people of Perth,’ and that their focus should be on the local populace, not on ‘unknown males from the unknown.’ This perspective sharply contrasts with the unified condemnation from elected representatives who underscored the city’s humanitarian values.
The issue of asylum seeker accommodation in Perth has been a point of discussion previously. In 2023, plans to increase the number of asylum seekers in the city to 250 were put forward. However, following considerable local debate and calls from councillors for ‘an immediate rethink,’ these proposed increases did not materialise. This prior engagement highlights the ongoing sensitivity and public interest surrounding immigration policies and their local impact within the Perth and Kinross community.
The weekend’s events serve as a stark reminder of the diverse viewpoints within the city regarding national and international issues, and the community’s capacity to organise both in support and opposition to different causes. The robust and contrasting public reactions underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue and clear communication from official bodies to address community concerns and prevent the spread of misinformation.
The anti-immigration protest followed a period of social media speculation concerning the potential increase in asylum seekers housed within Perth. Rumours circulated widely that up to 250 additional individuals might be accommodated in the city, prompting local authorities to issue a clarification last week. Perth and Kinross Council officials unequivocally debunked these claims, stating there were no current intentions to raise the existing number of 191 asylum seekers residing in the city’s Best Western Queens Hotel and The Station Hotel. These two establishments have served as temporary housing for asylum seekers since November 2021. Local Leaders Condemn Bigotry
Pete Wishart, the SNP Member of Parliament for Perth and Kinross-shire, expressed his deep disappointment regarding the anti-immigration demonstration. He highlighted the disparity in numbers between the two groups, praising the greater turnout for the counter-protest. Mr Wishart commended local residents who, in his words, ‘took stand against bigotry and intolerance,’ asserting that such sentiments are often ‘rooted in misinformation and fearmongering.’ He pledged his continued efforts to ‘debunk and reject’ these divisive attitudes, affirming that they have no place in Perth or indeed anywhere else.
Echoing these sentiments, Jim Fairlie, SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, also spoke out against the anti-immigration gathering. Mr Fairlie lauded the people of Perth for uniting to deliver a ‘clear message that racism has absolutely no place here.’ He underscored Perth’s historical tradition of offering sanctuary to those escaping conflict and persecution, emphasising that this ‘legacy of compassion and solidarity’ must be safeguarded. He concluded by stating that ‘attempts to divide our communities with hate and fear will not succeed.’
Police Scotland maintained a presence at the scene throughout the day, ensuring the peaceful conduct of both demonstrations. No reports of public disorder or disturbances were made. Protest Organiser Defends Stance
During the anti-immigration protest, participants displayed placards bearing slogans such as “Stop the boats” and “Perth is full, empty the hotels.” Lee Stronach, identified as one of the organisers of the anti-immigration demonstration, publicly defended their actions, robustly refuting any accusations of racism.
Mr Stronach voiced his conviction that the ‘UK, and more importantly Perth, is being overrun with illegal undocumented immigrants,’ claiming that ‘Perth is no longer safe.’ He asserted that their protest was ‘nothing about racism at all.’ Directing his criticism towards the local politicians, he stated that ‘Pete Wishart and Jim Fairlie are out of touch immensely from the people of Perth,’ and that their focus should be on the local populace, not on ‘unknown males from the unknown.’ This perspective sharply contrasts with the unified condemnation from elected representatives who underscored the city’s humanitarian values.
The issue of asylum seeker accommodation in Perth has been a point of discussion previously. In 2023, plans to increase the number of asylum seekers in the city to 250 were put forward. However, following considerable local debate and calls from councillors for ‘an immediate rethink,’ these proposed increases did not materialise. This prior engagement highlights the ongoing sensitivity and public interest surrounding immigration policies and their local impact within the Perth and Kinross community.
The weekend’s events serve as a stark reminder of the diverse viewpoints within the city regarding national and international issues, and the community’s capacity to organise both in support and opposition to different causes. The robust and contrasting public reactions underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue and clear communication from official bodies to address community concerns and prevent the spread of misinformation.