Glasgow MSP Thomas Kerr has reported human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar to Police Scotland, alleging that Anwar's recent speech constituted hate speech and encouraged hostility towards a segment of the Scottish population. Anwar, who represents former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, made comments at a demonstration on July 25 in Glasgow Green.
Kerr, who is also the deputy leader of Reform UK Scotland, stated that Anwar's remarks went beyond political debate and could foster hostility based on political views, nationality, ethnicity, and cultural identity. According to an email sent by Kerr to Police Scotland, Anwar allegedly referred to campaigners concerned about illegal immigration as "terrorists" and claimed that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was "radicalizing" Scots.
Anwar's speech, which drew the complaint, included accusations against Kerr and Farage, stating that when they "demonise migrants" and call for "pure, cold rage," hatred will spread. Anwar characterized their rhetoric as "racist bile" and suggested that "racists now think they’re legitimate because Farage gave them a script." He further asserted that such rhetoric would not contribute to societal improvements and likened it to "pogroms" and "terrorism."
In response to the police complaint, Anwar addressed the clashes that occurred at an anti-migrant protest in Glasgow over the weekend. He noted that while Kerr claimed to condemn the violence, several Reform UK members were present alongside individuals engaged in racist abuse, threats of violence, and Nazi salutes. Anwar expressed doubt that the Reform party would provide the names or videos of these individuals to the police.
The weekend protest saw violence erupt at Glasgow Green and in the city center, with an anti-immigration rally met by counter-protesters. Police Scotland reported that approximately 1,700 people participated, leading to 15 arrests for offenses including assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction, and resisting arrest. Some protesters, particularly a group of about 100 who moved into the city center, were involved in violence, disorder, intimidation, and hate-motivated offenses.
Glasgow Reform councillor Audrey Dempsey confirmed speaking at the rally, organized by Unite the Clans, an anti-immigration group. Speakers at the event reportedly expressed pride in their white identity and claimed white people in the UK were facing replacement.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell described the scenes as "disgraceful" and stated that Police Scotland would take further action. First Minister John Swinney characterized the protest as a "demonstration of far-Right hatred" and called the disorder "utterly unacceptable." A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed that the information received was being assessed.