John Swinney was right to condemn the intimidating atmosphere created in Glasgow city centre on Tuesday evening by a gang of masked protesters dressed in black. Legitimate protest is a cornerstone of democracy, but that does not mean thugs have the right to roam the streets and challenge those they consider beneath them.
Violence and Social Media
The appalling violence witnessed in Belfast has already led to an arrest, and the Northern Irish authorities should be trusted to prosecute the matter appropriately. Unfortunately, we live in an age where any act of violence can be seized upon by racists on social media and weaponised for their own ends. Smartphones are a fact of life, and so too are vicious attention seekers who will do anything for online engagement. Misplaced anger is the currency on which the social media economy thrives.
Cost of Living Crisis Fuels Far Right
However, it cannot be ignored that the populist far right is given far more credence today compared to 20 years ago because of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis that has pushed too many people into lives of hardship. Nigel Farage and his imitators offer aggressive soundbites, not practical policies, to make life better, but they still appeal to people who feel marginalised and ignored.
Sustained investment in affordable housing for all would be a clear sign from governments in Edinburgh and London that people are being listened to. Politics must be shown to be a force for good. The alternative is more nights of disorder like the one witnessed in Glasgow.
Investment in Youth
The Daily Record's Our Kids... Our Future campaign has consistently called for more to be done to help young people. The effects of lockdown, social media pressures, and the cost-of-living crisis have created a perfect storm of problems for the younger generation. It is vital that all of us do our bit to help the teenagers in our lives.
Thousands already do. Across the country, tireless volunteers run sports clubs, dance classes, youth clubs, and a whole host of other activities. But there is only so much parents, friends, and community volunteers can do. There needs to be more investment in facilities for young people to ensure they can make the most of their talents. Kevin Martin, who runs Easterhouse Sports Centre in Glasgow, is right to call on First Minister John Swinney to help support these vital clubs. So many lives are set on the right path by people like Kevin; it is money well spent to keep them thriving.
