AN MSP has raised his concerns for public safety after the Scottish Defence League announced a protest in Alloa.

Keith Brown, SNP representative for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, said he is in talks with police chiefs to make sure everything is being done to ensure safety for local residents and refugee families ahead of the demonstration on March 11.

He said: “Scotland has had a long history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers from all over the world and here in Clackmannanshire we have continued this tradition by extending a warm welcome to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees who have fled persecution, war and the impact of terror.

“The response from local people and organisations has been phenomenal and, as has been the case across the country, I am sure that a lack of support for the SDL demonstration will send the message that the SDL are not welcome in Clackmannanshire.”

Meanwhile, the league has confirmed to the Advertiser that it is not applying to hold a procession, but a static protest will take place instead.

A spokesperson said: “We didn't bother making a application to the council's licensing board for a procession as the councillors who sit on the decision panel are all left-wing pro-refugee types who we are sure would have banned a procession.

“That is why we decided to have a static demo as the council have no power over that, it is our democratic right to protest.”

SNP Councillor Craig Holden has also come out against the protest and branded the SDL racist.

He said: “We have a humanitarian and moral responsibility towards refugees which I and my fellow councillors are committed to.

“I regard the SDL demonstration as an exploitation of the issue and would urge the people of Alloa to reject the racist agenda of the SDL.”

Responding, the SDL spokesperson told the Advertiser they “couldn't care less” if they are called racist “for wanting our own people to be put first”.

They said: “We would ask the SNP councillor to confirm which race he believes us to be racist against, Islam is not a race and refugees are not a specific race.

“We would not approve of white refugees getting priority new build houses over local disabled and homeless.”

The spokesperson added they believe the word “racist” is used by “left-wing types” to silence anyone who disagrees with them, but “has now lost any power over people that it used to have”.

They also said they would “disagree” the Scottish taxpayer has a moral responsibility to help refugees and asked why rich Islamic states like Saudi Arabia have not taken refugees in, adding: “There are many safe countries closer to home which share their religion and culture. We know they don't go to these countries as they won't get a nice new build house and benefits.”