RACE TO STOP A RIOT

Call for calm as campaigners plan counter-protests against far-right

- DAN VEVERS

INDEPENDENCE supporters are preparing to challenge a Tommy Robinson-backed far-right rally in Glasgow, sparking fears of violent disorder.

Former socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan and the Hope Over Fear indy campaign group are preparing a counter-protest to oppose the planned right-wing rally in George Square on September 7.

It comes as far-right thugs have this week caused carnage in English towns and cities following the tragic Southport stabbings.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed in the horrific attack.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, from nearby Banks, Lancashire, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a curvedblade kitchen knife, which he is accused of using in connection with the attack.

Notorious extremist Robinson, founder of the English Defence League (EDL), later used social media to plug a "pro-UK" event in Glasgow early next month.

Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney has now 19 warned the violence witnessed in the streets of England "cannot be allowed to play out" in Scotland's biggest city.

He said: "As ever, the people of Glasgow wholeheartedly and unequivocally reject far-right attempts to divide our city.

"Robinson's cynical exploitation of the horrific tragedy in Southport as a rallying cry for his toxic agenda will only be met with a groundswell of Glaswegians turning out to show that our city stands against racism and hatred."