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An open letter: Women against the Far Right Scotland

We are one of the more than 200 women MSPs, cultural figures, campaigners and organisations which have signed this open letter to show that we will not let the far right speak in our name.

“On Saturday 13th September, Tommy Robinson - a fascist who founded the EDL - managed to get 100,000 on a demonstration in London. The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, addressed the rally calling for people to “fight back or die”. This is an urgent wake up call for us all, including in Scotland which is not immune to racism or the growth of the far right. We have already seen protests in cities and towns across Scotland targeting refugees and migrants.

“We reject the far right’s racist lies about “protecting” women and girls. They are not defenders of women—they exploit violence against women to fuel hate and division.

“Violence against women and girls is a serious and urgent issue. But it will never be solved by the likes of Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick targeting refugees, Muslims and migrants. There is no evidence that people seeking refuge are more likely to commit acts of sexual violence. Many are themselves survivors of violence, war, and persecution. Blaming them distracts from tackling the deep-rooted causes of abuse and from holding those truly responsible to account. The far right have seized on these lies, spread misinformation, and mobilised protests outside hotels housing refugees—including women and children. This does nothing to make women safer.

“The truth is that sexual violence is endemic across society and far too often ignored by those in power. Public services for women, children, victims and survivors have been cut to the bone, and too many cases are left without justice.

“We believe in a society where all women are safe, supported, and free from abuse — regardless of their background or where they come from. Standing up for women’s rights means rejecting racism and division, and building unity to demand real action to end violence against women and girls.

“Across Scotland, wherever the far right mobilise to try and bring racism, hatred and division, we will come together to show that our communities stand united against racism and the far right, that we stand with victims and survivors, and for justice for all women.”

For more information - and to sign the open letter - please click here.