Reform UK Deputy Leader Reports Lawyer Aamer Anwar to Police Over Hate Speech Allegations
Dispute erupts following Glasgow anti-immigration demonstrations, drawing condemnation from First Minister John Swinney.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Reform UK’s deputy leader in Scotland, Thomas Kerr, has reported lawyer Aamer Anwar to Police Scotland, alleging hate speech during a recent counter-protest in Glasgow.
Thomas Kerr asserts Aamer Anwar described political campaigners as 'terrorists' and spoke about questioning 'their culture and religion'. Kerr declared, "His words, I have no doubt, will contribute to increased hostility and community tensions, and I hope Police Scotland investigate the matter fully."
Police Scotland confirmed approximately 1,700 people participated in demonstrations across the city on Saturday. First Minister John Swinney described the protest as a 'demonstration of far-right hatred'.
His words, I have no doubt, will contribute to increased hostility and community tensions, and I hope Police Scotland investigate the matter fully.
Aamer Anwar, in a swift counter-move, accused Thomas Kerr of wasting police time. He labelled Kerr a 'wannabe tartan Tommy Robinson', escalating the rhetoric.
Anwar claims Reform UK members stood next to masked individuals while racist abuse, threats of violence, and Nazi salutes occurred. This direct accusation links Reform UK to the more extreme elements present.
He questioned whether Kerr would suspend Reform politicians who attended the 'Unite the Klans' event on Saturday. Anwar further challenged Kerr to assist police inquiries, especially after Reform Glasgow councillor Audrey Dempsey admitted speaking at the rally.
This admission directly links the Reform party to the controversial event. Anwar doubted Reform UK has provided any names or videos of the alleged thugs to the major investigation team at Police Scotland.
Police are currently tracing masked individuals responsible for inciting race hate, attacking police officers, and assaulting innocent people of colour. Anwar asserted, "Any decent person would be calling out the pogroms in Belfast and knife attacks in Leith, yet this great defender of free speech, Mr Kerr’s reaction to my words is to waste police time, by labelling it as hate speech."
He then directly challenged Kerr, asking, "Will he now suspend those Reform politicians that attended the ‘Unite the Klans’ event on Saturday and assist police with their inquiries?"
The ongoing police investigation into Kerr's complaint and Anwar's counter-claims reveals deep divisions. Heightened tensions surrounding political demonstrations in Scotland now dominate public discourse.
Historically, Glasgow has witnessed numerous political and social movements, often marked by passionate, sometimes volatile, public gatherings. The city's streets have long served as a crucible for competing ideologies, from the Red Clydeside era to contemporary debates on national identity.
This current flashpoint echoes past confrontations, where the line between free speech and incitement became a battleground. The 1,700 individuals involved in Saturday's demonstrations represent a significant mobilisation.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum now face immense pressure. First Minister John Swinney's condemnation of the protest as 'far-right hatred' signals the Scottish Government's firm stance, placing political pressure on all parties to distance themselves from extremism.
Public opinion remains sharply divided, with social media platforms amplifying both Kerr's allegations and Anwar's fierce defence. Economic pressures also loom, as heightened community tensions can deter investment and impact local businesses, particularly in areas prone to unrest.
The landscape of political activism is shifting, with digital platforms enabling rapid mobilisation and the spread of information, or misinformation. This incident highlights the evolving challenges for law enforcement in managing large-scale protests and discerning genuine threats from protected speech.
Future implications include potential legislative reviews concerning public order and hate speech, especially if the police investigation uncovers widespread incitement. The political fallout could reshape alliances and electoral strategies for the upcoming local elections.
The incident also forces a re-evaluation of how political parties vet their candidates and manage their public image. Reform Glasgow councillor Audrey Dempsey's admission of speaking at the rally directly implicates her party, demanding a clear response from its leadership.
This situation demands scrutiny of the mechanisms in place to address hate speech in a diverse, democratic society. The outcome of Police Scotland's investigation will set a precedent for future interactions between political figures and the law.
The city watches, waiting for clarity amidst the accusations and counter-accusations. The integrity of public discourse hangs in the balance, a critical test for Scottish society.