Far-Right Group Targets Primary School Over Refugee Integration Programme
A far-right anti-migrant group known as the Spartan Child Protection Team has organised a protest against English language classes for asylum seekers at a Glasgow primary school. The demonstration is scheduled to take place at Dalmarnock Primary School on Monday, where the institution provides ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) lessons for families of pupils who aren't native English speakers.
The group, led by convicted vigilante Alex Cairnie and right-wing podcaster Craig Houston, claims to have discovered a 'loophole' that allows adults to enter school premises without background checks. They have already begun filming outside the school and have encouraged parents to keep their children home on Monday to facilitate their protest.
Misinformation and Parental Concerns
In recent days, the activists have circulated videos featuring unnamed parents expressing concerns about the English classes. Houston posted interviews conducted outside the school, with Cairnie suggesting something 'shady' was occurring within the institution.
One concerned mother stated: 'My kids won't be at school on Monday. There is a load of parents whose kids won't be at school on Monday.' A male parent added that the ESOL lessons were 'not safe for the weans' - using the Scottish term for children.
The group has also targeted the headquarters of the organisation managing the programme, accusing executives of corruption, though they have presented no evidence to support these claims.
Council Condemns 'Toxic' Campaign
Glasgow City Council has strongly condemned the group's actions, accusing them of spreading misinformation and inciting violence. Council officials insist the alleged 'loophole' doesn't exist and emphasise that adult visitors in schools for community programmes is standard practice.
In a forceful statement, the council declared: 'We will not tolerate racism or bigotry of any kind in our schools. His campaign is misguided and toxic. We will also not tolerate strangers and vigilante groups coming into our schools claiming to keep children safe when they have a clear hidden agenda to incite fear and alarm.'
The council directly linked objections to the integration programme to racism, stating: 'Our schools are family education community hubs, and every parent and carer is welcome in their child's school. A family learning offer and integration is not new, and our schools take pride in supporting parents and carers in their lifelong learning.'
Background of Protest Leaders
Alex Cairnie, one of the protest organisers, was convicted earlier this year for abducting a man suspected of child sex offences. Sheriff Brian Mohan of Paisley criticised Cairnie and his supporters for 'running around like cowboys' during the court proceedings.
The controversy comes amid growing concerns about community tensions surrounding asylum accommodation in Scotland. Last month, Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, expressed worries about staff and pupil safety at a college in Falkirk located near an asylum hotel following similar rallies.
The council maintains that the English classes significantly benefit both parents and children, resulting in 'improving their child's wellbeing and attainment' while aligning with the council's core vision and values for community integration and education.
