We need to name it to stop it: who are the far right?

Picture of a far right rally on Buchanan Steps 9 June 2026. Picture credit Billy Knox Photography.

The scenes in Glasgow last night shamed the city. A far-right demonstration quickly escalated into what looked like a pogrom, as a roaming mob appeared to attack passers-by identified as non-white. The videos and images should sicken and anger all decent people.  We wish to extend our solidarity with the communities who have been the targets of this hatred, and to all victims of last night’s violence. 

As we have pointed out many times before, the organisational and ideological structure which underpins right wing activity in Scotland and acts as a recruiting ground for contemporary far right groupings is the Loyal Orders and groups associated with them. The failure of the organised left and the trades union movement to name this and root it out has allowed it to flourish. 

These scenes shame us all and require a unified response and we look forward to playing our part in that. 

Aside from the organisational and ideological context, a key factor is the political context. Governments have done little to address material inequality. Loathsome racist politicians have stoked hatred in our communities at every opportunity. Much more must be done to tackle the inequality and ignorance that give rise to division and hatred. But it also requires those on the anti-racist left, especially in Glasgow, to name the guilty parties openly and without fear.