“It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured"
An MSP has warned that someone could be seriously injured or killed following far-right violence in Glasgow.
Labour MSP Monica Lennon has described the situation as an “emergency” and called for urgent action.
Ms Lennon made the comments at a press conference organised by solicitor Aamer Anwar.
She said Scotland’s First Minister should consider recalling Parliament to address the growing concerns over violence and racism.
The warning follows clashes at Glasgow Green on July 25 during an anti-immigration rally.
Around 15 people were arrested following the disorder. Offences included assault, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.
Police Scotland also recovered several weapons after the unrest.
The force said the weapons suggested some people had arrived with the intention of causing “pre-meditated disorder, violence and intimidation”.
Footage from the protest showed attendees performing Nazi salutes and chanting “send them home”.
Other placards reportedly included messages such as “stop the boats”.
One man was also filmed describing himself as a Nazi.
The violence has caused particular concern among communities of colour in Glasgow.
Pakistani delivery driver Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob was attacked while collecting an order from Palm Tree Kitchen on Bridge Street.
Mr Yaqoob attended the press conference and described the incident as having a serious impact on his life.
He said around 150 to 200 people surrounded him after he left the restaurant.
He said several people subjected him to racist abuse, including references to his Pakistani and Asian background.
Mr Yaqoob also said someone threw a traffic cone at him.
He returned to the restaurant because he feared for his safety.
The incident was recorded and later circulated widely across social media.
Mr Yaqoob said he became frightened after discovering the footage had also reached people in his home country, adding: “I just want justice.”
Mr Anwar said further violence could happen if action was not taken.
He praised Police Scotland for attempting to balance the right to peaceful protest with public safety.
He also argued that existing legislation provides sufficient powers to tackle far-right activity.
However, Zamard Zahid from Stand Up To Racism criticised the police response to the Unite the Clans rally.
She claimed neo-Nazi groups travelled to Glasgow intending to cause violence.
She also criticised the handling of Nazi salutes and racist and sexist chants.
Ms Lennon said Scotland already has robust legislation but questioned whether existing laws were being properly enforced.
She acknowledged the pressure facing Police Scotland but said Parliament could be recalled during an emergency.
She said the violence, attacks, fear and intimidation were escalating.
Ms Lennon warned: “It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or even killed.”
Talat Yaqoob of Women Against the Far Right Scotland also raised concerns about attacks on people of colour.
She described the situation as the “terrorising of communities”.
The conference included politicians from the Scottish Greens and Liberal Democrats.
However, there was no Scottish Government representative present.
Mr Anwar said the SNP had been invited but could not provide someone to attend.
Reform UK figures, including Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr, were not invited.
Mr Kerr later criticised his exclusion and accused the organisers of political hypocrisy.
The latest violence has renewed debate over racism, immigration and public safety in Scotland.
Community organisations are now calling for stronger action to protect people from racist abuse and far-right violence.
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