FIRST Minister John Swinney has responded to an MSP’s concerns that the far right are trying to “hijack” the Scottish Saltire.
Bob Doris, the SNP MSP for Glasgow’s Maryhill and Springburn, brought up local concerns sparked by a number of Saltires appearing on lampposts and other fixtures in his constituency during First Minister’s Questions.
The flags appeared following a far-right-backed “Raise the Colours” campaign in England to put up Union flags and St George’s Crosses, as well as painting them onto public sites.
Speaking in Holyrood, Doris said: “Hundreds of Scottish Saltires have been put up in my constituency, predominantly but not exclusively in the Maryhill area.
“The Saltire is inclusive, welcoming, and tolerant. However, serious concerns have been raised by many of my constituents that there may be an attempt by the far right to hijack our country's flag.”
He went on: “Racist graffiti is starting to appear in my local area, including ‘sink the boats’. One of my constituents was told the other day, ‘get back on the boat’.
“Many in Maryhill, from all backgrounds, have reached out to me with huge concern and offering their love, their support, and their solidarity for all those, including immigrants and asylum seekers, who have made their life in Maryhill.
“Will the First Minister show his solidarity with the people of Maryhill, the vast majority of whom are indeed welcoming, tolerant and inclusive – and what practical support can the Scottish Government offer our communities?”
“I would always want to make sure that was the case,” the SNP leader went on.
“I had the pleasure of being in Mr Doris's constituency last Thursday at the launch of a magnificent partnership between Home Start, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, and the Glasgow City Council, which is supporting many vulnerable families in the Maryhill area, and I was glad that Mr Doris made it possible for me to be there.
“At the heart of that event was the spirit of inclusion, the welcome to people from other places who had made Glasgow their home, who'd made Maryhill their home, and who were proud of that fact.
“So I think the more what the government will do is the government will give the leadership and the practical support to community cohesion that we offer because we believe, as Mr Doris does, that Scotland is best served by being an inclusive, welcoming country.
“It has been in the past and it must be in the future.”
On Wednesday, it was reported that staff at Falkirk Council were targeted with abuse after being sent to remove flags put up on lampposts around the area.
“This is unacceptable and the council will liaise with Police Scotland to take action against those responsible,” a spokesperson for the local authority said.
In England, the Labour Government have given their backing to people waving the flag, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying he hangs a St George’s Cross in his own home.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also said she decorates her home with a variety of flags, including the Union flag and the English flag.
