10/06/2026
Govan Community Project would like to express our concern about the harmful activities which took place in Glasgow (and other areas across the UK) on 9th June, following the reported stabbing incident in Belfast on 8 June.
We want to be absolutely clear that we do not condone violence of any kind. Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones at this difficult time, and we sincerely hope that going forward their privacy is fully respected as they deal with the impact of this incident.
At moments like this, it is more important than ever to respond with compassion, accuracy, and humanity.
It is deeply troubling to witness the speed at which misinformation, speculation, and harmful narratives spread and ultimately result in more aggression and violence,, placing individuals, families and communities at risk.
We urge communities across Glasgow and Scotland to stop and think before sharing unverified claims or engaging with hateful commentary. None of us other than those directly involved are privy to the actual facts of the situation, and when facts are still emerging, dangerous speculation takes over and fuels fear. This creates an environment where whole communities are unfairly blamed, misrepresented, and dehumanised for incidents they had no involvement in. No individual act of violence should ever be used to justify prejudice, or collective blame.
Communities must resist the instinct to turn fear into hostility and instead choose empathy and responsibility. Refugees are part of our communities and have been since World War 1, they are our neighbours, colleagues, and friends—and they deserve dignity, respect, and the chance to live free from suspicion and harm from incidents that they had no involvement in. There should always be accountability and safety for everyone living in our neighbourhoods but this is not achieved through scapegoating one section of the community
Glasgow and Scotland has a proud tradition of offering welcome and solidarity. Protecting that tradition and reputation means being an ally and actively challenging misinformation, refusing to amplify voices of hatred. We need to stand together against attempts to divide our society through hatred and violence.
There are lots of systemic problems and issues that are impacting on all of our lives and communities, but these are not caused by migration, nor will they be resolved by targeting immigration. They are rooted in the ever growing divide between those living in wealth and privilege and those living in poverty and deprivation in our society. We have more in common than we have dividing us. We urge everyone to come together to foster conversations that build understanding, not division.
Govan Community Project remains committed to working in solidarity with refugees and people seeking safety, and working alongside partners to build communities rooted in inclusion, safety, truth and unity
