A GROUP promoting a UK-wide national strike has prompted concerns over its right-wing aims after planning demonstrations in Scottish cities.
The Great British National Strike, which has gained a substantial social media following in recent months, lists illegal immigration among its primary concerns and it opposes supporting Ukraine.
An SNP councillor has raised the issue after the group planned to host an event in his city of Dunfermline.
Cllr Derek Glen said: “It’s interesting to see that at face value this is being pitched as a one-man campaign by an ex-soldier to complain about some of the shortcomings of the UK Government.
“However, delving a little deeper into it exposes that it seems to be a front for a lot of right-wing policies and claims eg mentioning immigration and even specific nationalities, anti-net zero, anti-support for Ukraine, and claims that free speech is somehow being curtailed (as per its ‘GoFundMe’ page).”
The GoFundMe page states: “This will show Labour that we have the power, we have the strength and we have the ability to control what happens in our country.
“We oppose illegal immigration, net zero, the attack on our farmers, Pakistani rape gangs not being properly held to account, the attack on our free speech, two-tier justice and our involvement in the Ukraine war.
“Our tax money is not being spent where we would like. This needs to stop. They need to listen.”
Cllr Derek Glen continued: “Whereas there is no mention of the cost-of-living crisis; spiralling energy prices; the winter fuel allowance; the WASPI women U-turn; the cuts to disability care benefits.
"These are things that voters here have legitimately been appalled by from the UK Labour government – but are not part of the agenda for this ‘event’.
“I have two primary concerns about this – firstly that while people will rightly be angry about some of policy failings of the dismal performance of Labour since they took power at Westminster, and have every right to protest; this event appears to be designed to co-opt people in support of a somewhat hidden, very right-wing agenda.
“Secondly, as it has all been arranged – apparently by one person – online; and the ‘meet-up notices’ are just graphics naming spots in the centre of every city across the UK, I would have serious questions to ask about the organisation and infrastructure for these events: has permission been sought from local authorities?
“Are the police and other services in each locality aware? Has any thought or care been given to any other events that may be arranged for these locations at the same time? Or just for the safety of members of the public? And will there be any organisers on the ground in each location, or speakers, or first aiders?
“The crowdfunder says that as well as advertising, they are raising money for ‘the inevitable legal fees that are bound to arise’ – that seems of concern in itself.”
Fife Council have confirmed that it has not been made aware of this event.
Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
