Scottish Independence Rally 'absolutely empty' as handful of protesters wave Palestine flags - 'What has this got to do with Scotland?!'

Scottish Independence Rally 'absolutely empty' as handful of protesters wave Palestine flags - 'What has this got to do with Scotland?!'

Scottish Independence Rally 'absolutely empty'

GB News
Gabrielle Wilde

By Gabrielle Wilde


Published: 14/09/2024

- 15:41

Sparse turnout and pro-Palestine flags mark 10-year anniversary of Scottish independence referendum

Ten years after Scotland's historic independence referendum, a rally in Glasgow's George Square marked the anniversary with a notably sparse turnout.

GB News Scotland reporter Tony McGuire said that the square was "absolutely empty", attributing the low attendance to divisions within the Yes movement and a decade of stagnation in the independence cause.


Curiously, pro-Palestine flags were visible in the background, prompting GB News host Darren Grimes to question their relevance to the Scottish independence rally.

The subdued atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the fervent campaigns of 2014, when over two million Scots voted against independence.

Tony McGuire

Tony McGuire claimed it was "absolutely empty" at the rally

GB News

Speaking on GB News, Tony said: "It's absolutely empty here in George Square.

"The attendance for these kind of events has dropped down. And that's because we'll have a whole cacophony of reasons, splits within the Yes movement and essentially 10 years of not clearly moving the dial in either direction.

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"Scotland's Government, the SNP, have still been unable to find that kind of sweet spot for telling Westminster that there's an electoral mandate.

"But nevertheless, today at the rally we've heard from speakers such as Tommy Sheridan, who is a big political player up here in Glasgow, who demanded if the pro independence parties get more than 50 percent combined in 2026 at the next Scottish election, then we should just declare ourselves independent.

"I'm not quite sure if that will fly. But after him, of course, we also heard from Alex Salmond, a man who doesn't be about the bush and does not mince his words.

"He had some particularly cutting remarks to say about the Government."

Alex Salmond

Alex Salmond appeared at the event

GB News

Former First Minister Alex Salmond delivered a forceful speech criticising the SNP's handling of independence efforts.

In his fiery speech he said: "They've had 10 years of mandates for a referendum and they have done nothing.

"Our biggest industrial facility is threatened with closure and they stand by and do nothing.

"Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are threatened with fuel quality this winter and they do nothing. That has to end."

Pro Palestine flags

Pro Palestine flags appeared at the rally

GB News

The low attendance highlighted the challenges facing the independence movement.

The presence of pro-Palestine flags at a Scottish independence event highlights the complex political landscape and potentially divided focus of activists.

As Scotland approaches the next Scottish elections, the independence movement faces a critical juncture.

Salmond's call for action if pro-independence parties secure a majority in 2026 sets a potential timeline for renewed efforts.

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