Boris Johnson protest: who are All Under One Banner and what are they campaigning for?

The pro-Scottish independence organisation All Under One Banner group is holding an “emergency demonstration” against the Prime Minister in Glasgow today.

Marchers are planning to assemble in the city’s George Square for 11.15am before heading along South Frederick St, Ingram St, High St and Saltmarket to Glasgow Green for a rally.

Who are All Under One Banner?

All Under One Banner (AUOB) grew out of the independence movement, forming just after the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum.

Rather than align themselves with the SNP or other parties, they say that they are “committed to remaining non-partisan and non-party political” with the single stated aim of campaigning for independence.

They are a grassroots organisation which has organised several marches and rallies across Scottish towns and cities.

Their largest march in Scotland was held on 4 May 2019 in Glasgow, attracting up to 90,000 protesters according to estimates.

In July 2019 founder Neil Mackay stepped down following claims of misappropriated cash were made by fellow campaigner Manny Singh.

Singh himself was sacked from his role as operations director later that month, due to an alleged breach of Section 65 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 for not sticking to the original route for a protest march.

In October 2020, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticised AUOB for planning to hold a march in Dundee during the Covid pandemic. The rally was eventually called off.

What are they campaigning against?

The protest planned for today (22 January) in Glasgow is targeted at Boris Johnson.

AUOB have billed the event as an “emergency march” in response to the “Tory crisis”.

They are calling for the Prime Minister to be “sacked” and an “end to Tory rule”.

In a short post on their website, they add: “George Square to Glasgow Green gathering early, leave 12 noon sharp. Bold action calling for maximum participation. Get the Tories out. Independence now!!”

Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn will speak at the march.

A statement posted by AUOB on social media read: “It's time to take to the streets to escalate the fight for independence, which will bring an end to Tory rule in Scotland once and for all.

“The movement and Scottish Govt must seize this moment to assert our right to get out this rotten toxic union. Get to Glasgow on Saturday!

“We know that the Tories are now desperate to replace Johnson with another toxic politician who will continue the arrogance towards Scotland and our right to decide. So let's crack on! as the power is in our hands, we can leave when we want. Scotland can't wait, set the date!”

It adds: “This is an emergency situation as it's essential to escape this corrupt Westminster system and seize the moment and step up the fight for independence. We urge the whole movement to unite and come together in our thousands to show that Independence is Scotland's priority.”

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