2026 must be year we face down far right
2026 will be a vital year for Scotland in facing down and defeating the far right, says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman.
Maggie’s comments follow a year that included anti-migrant protests outside hotels, a rise in targeting of people of colour on our streets, and the further growth of Nigel Farage’s Reform Party.
Data shows that 2025 saw an increase in racist offences across Scotland, accounting for 60 per cent of all hate crimes.
Maggie said:
“2025 has been a scary year for lots of people across Scotland. We’ve seen a worrying increase in racist hate crimes, the growth of Nigel Farage’s Reform Party and the violent escalation of anti-migrant protests outside hotels housing New Scots.
“When anti-migrant rhetoric and racist messages of hate spread, they have real life, sometimes devastating consequences. It means more pain and anxiety for our friends and neighbours, migrant communities and others who are targeted by prejudice and bigotry.
“Too many politicians, including Labour and the Tories, have tried to beat Reform by stealing their policies and creating an increasingly hostile environment for people of colour, immigrants, refugees and people seeking asylum.
“In 2026 we must counter their divisive message, building solidarity across our communities, recognising the mutual benefits created by a welcoming society, and supporting movements that celebrate difference and diversity.
“Life has become so much harder for many folks across Scotland. But the scapegoating, cruelty and false promises from a cynical millionaire-backed party will change nothing for the better.
“This May Scotland will face a stark choice. All parties have a role to play in bringing people together rather than trying to create wedges and fuel division.
“We have seen what Reform stands for, and the politics they represent. We saw it with a disastrous Brexit that has increased prices and costs for working people and families and we saw it with their leader’s disgraceful attacks on children in Glasgow.
“The Scottish Greens will always stand with our communities and reject the hatred of far right protest groups and parties like Reform. The fairer, greener Scotland we believe in is one where everyone is welcome.”