Why Black Lives Matter protests should go ahead in Scotland
Statement from Socialist Party Scotland
#BlackLivesMatter protests have erupted across the US following the horrific killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. The reaction to racist killings by the police and the militaristic methods of the US state, including the use of the national guard and the military on the streets to crush the protests, has sent shockwaves across the world.
The background to this uprising, which has spread across 140 cities in the US, is also the most severe economic crisis in capitalism’s history. 40 million workers have been thrown out of work the last 10 weeks alone.
Mass radicalisation of young people is evident against all forms of oppression, but also a growing awareness of the need to struggle in the here and now for their futures. There is a growing awareness that this rotten system is unable to provide access to decent jobs, income, housing or education.
International events in solidarity with George Floyd, Black Lives Matter and the movement in the US have been widespread. Over the last few days large events have been held in England, Wales, Ireland and many countries internationally.
Many of these have taken place despite lockdown being in place – with social distancing and the wearing of face masks being widely practiced by those taking part.
This contrasts sharply with the reckless and dangerous actions of both Trump and Boris Johnson and their rush to re-open the economy at the expense of workers’ safety and a possible surge of the virus.
Nor have they been willing to implement effective measures such as mass testing and contact tracing to protect populations from Covid-19. No wonder many, rightly, do not trust governments when they say it’s now safe to return to work or school.
In Britain, the Tories are refusing to release their own report into the high incidences of BAME deaths because they are worried about “civil unrest” caused by the findings.
In Scotland, the SNP-led Scottish government have failed dismally on the Covid-19 pandemic. Scotland currently has one of the highest death rates in Europe.
Fears
There are still widespread fears of a resurgence of the virus. Quite correctly, workers and others are concerned that public demonstrations, if they do take place, could have health consequences. The public mood in favour of the lockdown measures reflect that fear.
Currently, serious pressure is being exerted on activists trying to organise BLM events in Scotland. This pressure comes from many sources – Police Scotland obviously – but certainly includes those who back, uncritically, the Scottish government’s handling of the pandemic and organisations and individuals supportive of the SNP leadership. Indeed Nicola Sturgeon has appealed for people to protest, but in a safe way. In other words not to gather in public places and in large numbers etc.
This pressure has led to the event planned in Glasgow on Sunday 7 June to be cancelled by the organisers. This is despite over 2,000 people saying they had planned to attend, underlining the desire among young people wanting to express their anger and solidarity.
Other events in cities across Scotland are facing similar pressure to cancel their events. Yet all of the organisers have taken a very responsible attitude to health and safety, appealing to those planning to attend to wear masks and to social distance.
There are also countless examples of demonstrators internationally showing a well organised serious approach to health and safety, implementing social distancing, the wearing of masks etc. For example the recent demonstration in Dublin, Ireland – where lockdown measures have been more severe than Scotland.
right to protest
The labour movement and young people in Scotland must have the opportunity to show their anger, solidarity and support for a mass movement in the United States facing huge state repression. An injury to one is an injury to all. Nicola Sturgeon tweeting support for BLM is not enough.
Ultimately, as a pro-big business capitalist party that has implemented austerity for a decade, the SNP are unable to effectively fight racism – which is a poisonous ideology intrinsic to maintaining capitalist society. Only mass united struggles of all working class people combating oppressive ideas, alongside a struggle for jobs, homes, public services and for a socialist society, can eradicate racism.
Socialist Party Scotland and the Committee for a Workers’ International and our members have been the most determined fighters for health and safety during the pandemic. We have produced a workers’ charter of demands. Our members have helped lead trade union movements to protect workers by demanding social distancing and PPE provision. For example on London buses (with large numbers of BAME workers), in the civil service, Royal Mail and local councils.
While we fully understand the serious pressure activists have come under, we think it is a mistake to cancel the protests.
Solidarity with the revolt in the US cannot just wait until the Scottish government allow it. It is also a mistake by the SWP-run Stand Up To Racism campaign to bend to this pressure by not publicly revealing the location of their Glasgow event tomorrow to consciously “limit participation”.
Bizarrely, those wishing to take part have to email the organisers to find out the location. As far as we are aware they have not done this in the rest of the UK.
Socialist Party Scotland would urge organisers to rethink and reinstate the Glasgow protest planned for Sunday, while taking the necessary measures to promote participation that upholds health and safety. Glasgow Green – the area the protest was due to take place – is one of the largest open spaces in the city with many entry and exit points and ideal for facilitating a safe event.
The trade union movement should also discuss how they could safely support such protests.
Trade unions can face the same pressures not to organise workers’ strikes, protests and walkouts etc while elements of lockdown are still in place. There are many issues upcoming, including on wages, job losses and the need to fight for no return to work until safe that may well need mobilisations in the weeks ahead.
For all of these reasons, the democratic right to protest in a safe manner must be defended in Scotland.
Socialist Party Scotland have organised a public meeting, via Zoom, for Monday 8 June on the movement in the US against racism. Speaking at the meeting will be members of the Independent Socialist Group from the US who are currently active in the struggle. See this link for full details
