A PRO immigration/refugee rally will be held in Dumfries tomorrow, Saturday.
Organised by the Dumfries and Galloway Trades Union Council (DGTUC), the event at the Plainstanes in the town centre is being held in support of refugees and asylum seekers, and the part they have played in contributing to Scotland.
DGTUC secretary John Dennis is hoping for a large turnout and said: “We need to get away from the legacy of hostility towards migrants and asylum seekers.
“We need to see them as potential contributors to Scottish society and culture, and to welcome them here, following their often harrowing and dangerous journeys to reach safety after fleeing war, societal breakdown, prison, torture or natural disasters.”
Guest speakers at the rally will include deputy general secretary of the Scottish TUC Dave Moxham, who will join others from local trade unions and charities in showing solidarity with asylum seekers and refugees.
The programme also includes Mark Frankland from the First Base Agency, Shirley Ferrier from Massive Outpouring of Love, Stephen McLean from D&G Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and Brent Kennedy from Carlisle Against Racism.
Other speakers have been invited from local churches and four political parties: the SNP, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens.
In addition, stories from some asylum seekers will be read out to illustrate the hardships, difficulties and challenges they have faced in leaving their home countries and travelling to Britain.
The rally begins at 11 am and will run until about 12.30 pm.
