ANTI-RACIST protesters have gathered in Glasgow to oppose a "mass deportation" rally led by Ukip leader Nick Tenconi.
Hundreds of anti-racists, trade unionists, faith leaders and community campaigners took to the streets on Saturday in response to the march being permitted to proceed.
Ukip, a party with no electoral foothold in Glasgow, failed to field a single candidate in the city during last year’s General Election.
Its latest leader, Tenconi, has launched what he describes as a “mass deportations tour,” targeting major cities across the UK, including Nottingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, and London.
He advocates sending “teams of men” to France to “intercept and destroy the boats,” and calls for “English patriots” to donate “English pounds” to “support my mission".
The rally prompted Stand Up To Racism to mobilise a counter-demonstration against what they describe as a group aligned with far-right agitator Tommy Robinson.
Approximately 150 UKIP supporters marched through Glasgow under a heavy police presence, with Tenconi himself in attendance.
Stand Up To Racism Scotland said: "Fascist Nick Tenconi and his thugs are bringing their 'mass deportations' tour to Glasgow.
"Glasgow City Council are not challenging a march through the city centre led by fascists, but antiracists and anti-fascists will.
"This will be a safely stewarded coming together of all those who say refugees and migrants are welcome in Glasgow, but fascists are not."
The march proceeded despite a Glasgow City councillor and numerous organisations calling for it to be stopped amid concerns for public safety.
“I believe the actions and words of the organisers are an incitement to violence and a risk to public safety and order on our streets”, Greens councillor Dan Hutchison said.
