Gary Clark
In recent weeks, Falkirk has become the focal point of attention across Scotland because of the demonstrations and counter-demonstrations around the Cladhan Hotel, which is now housing around 100 refugees from various backgrounds.
Tensions escalated after a refugee was sentenced to nine years in jail for raping a 15-year-old girl. This incident led to heightened emotions in the community.
A group called Save Our Future & Our Kids Future, supported by Reform right-wing councillor Claire Brown (elected as a Tory), organised a demonstration outside the hotel on August 18th. This prompted Stand Up to Racism and Falkirk TUC to call for a counter-demonstration at the same time.
In the lead-up to the demonstration, I looked for support within the trade union movement. We successfully secured backing from various unions, both at the Scottish level, including the STUC, and from local union branches.
From the outset, I emphasised the need for proper stewarding of the event, recognising the high tensions in the area. This was not a typical demonstration with only a few attendees; the local community was significantly engaged with them.
Socialist Party Scotland members and local trade unionists warned that stewards needed to be present early on the day, but this advice was not heeded by SUTR. As a result, only members of the Socialist Party Scotland, along with local trade unionists, arrived to find a number of the far right there but we managed to hold the hotel car park before others joined.
The turnout on the anti-asylum seeker side was a surprise to many, with around 800 people on their side and about 200 anti-racists on the other.
The police were unprepared, with no barriers between the sides and only a handful of officers present. This was the most dangerous situation at a demonstration I had ever attended.
It was evident that there were neo-nazis among the demonstrators, including members of Britain First, Homeland Party, Patriotic Alternative, and Advance UK. However, the demonstration was not solely composed of right-wing or far-right elements; indeed they were a small minority.
A significant portion consisted of working-class families concerned about the area’s situation. Years of cuts and recent major job losses, such as the 900 job cuts at Petroineos in nearby Grangemouth and the threats over Alexander Dennis bus manufacturing plant is having a devastating impact on the local economy.
We made it clear from the start that labelling all attendees as far-right was incorrect.
The demonstration had clear right-wing elements but also included a large part of the local area. On the day, while I was speaking, one of their supporters attempted to attack me, but stewards intervened. This incident was repeated at the third demonstration when a female speaker on the all-women platform faced a similar threat.
This situation has been a wake-up call to the rise of racism, including the far-right in Scotland. Hate crimes in the area have increased, with threats made against those leading the counter-demonstrations.
Two new groups, Falkirk For All (FFA) and Forth Valley Trade Unions in the Community, have emerged in response. We have emphasised the importance of not only campaigning against racism but also fighting against austerity and advocating for real resources for the area.
This includes supporting organisations like Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland as well as jobs, homes and fully funded public services for all.
In recent weeks, the number of anti-refugee demonstrators has decreased, while the anti-racist side has grown. Many initial demonstrators have distanced themselves from the group, especially after known fascists were allowed to attend their protests, display banners, and speak at the events. The group also posted right-wing messages and attacked the trade union movement.
At the same time, the far-right are becoming more and more desperate. They have posted attacks on myself online making unfounded accusations, including threatening messages. But I won’t be deterred.
STUC
The STUC called a national roundtable meeting, which I attended. It was clear that a trade union response was needed, not just from SUTR, but from the entire trade union movement.
We need to address class issues, fight job losses, advocate for well-paid work, and push for massive social housing projects to solve the housing crisis.
We have made it clear that we oppose all sexual crimes and want them thoroughly investigated. We need to support women in reporting crimes and provide safe places for those facing domestic violence. This requires significant funding, not more cuts.
Our goal is to make Falkirk a safe place for everyone. However, recent incidents, such as a brick being thrown through the hotel window and calls for the hotel to be burnt down, have increased the area’s dangers.
Some individuals have claimed to be patrolling the area and sending “non-British” people away.
This situation has arisen because the populist and far-right has gained a foothold in the area due to a vacuum left by the lack of a party willing to fight for the working class.
There is an urgent need for a new workers’ party, and the trade unions must be at the forefront in this process as well as building resistance to the rise of racism and the far-right, including organised stewarding trained by the unions themselves.
