Anti-racism campaigners staged a counter-demonstration in Falkirk, Scotland, against protesters opposing what they called uncontrolled illegal immigration outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Scotland.
The rally was organised by Stand Up to Racism Scotland, Falkirk Trades Union Council and local residents who gathered on Saturday to show support for refugees and to send the message that they are welcome in the town.
Organisers described the event as a safely stewarded community gathering featuring music, speeches from local representatives, trade unions, campaigners, and faith groups. Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as stop the far right, refugees welcome and migrants make our NHS.
Police Scotland confirmed that Kemper Avenue in Falkirk was closed from late morning due to the protests, reopening later that evening. Officers also reported that a 26-year-old man was arrested for breaching a police cordon.
The protest was organised by the group Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures, which announced its plans to demonstrate outside the Cladhan Hotel. The group stated online that it was standing against uncontrolled illegal immigration and claimed people were being placed in communities without transparency or consultation. It added that the protest was not about hate but about safety and justice for local residents.
During the demonstrations, anti-immigration protesters waved union flags and chanted send them home, while anti-racism campaigners responded with chants of refugees are welcome here and this is what community looks like.
Similar protests have taken place across the UK in recent months. In Essex, violent disorder erupted outside the Bell Hotel in Epping in July, leading to 28 arrests after police officers were injured. That protest followed allegations that an asylum seeker housed at the hotel had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.
Earlier this month in north London, rival protests were also held outside the Thistle City Barbican hotel. Several demonstrators were detained during the confrontation, with the counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism and supported by former Labour leader and Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn.
