Selina Hales’ office is decorated with paper pineapples—a global symbol of hospitality that stands in stark contrast to the political storm brewing outside. As the founder of Refuweegee, a charity that welcomes refugees to Glasgow, Hales is on the frontline of a culture war. With Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party targeting Scotland’s biggest city, Glaswegians are mobilizing to defend their reputation as the "friendly city."

The rise of Reform UK, which secured 26% of the vote in a recent by-election, has emboldened anti-immigrant sentiment. "People are feeling unsafe," Hales admits. "The flag-waving and the rhetoric are becoming more common." But for every act of hostility, Glasgow has a history of resistance—from the "Glasgow Girls" who fought deportation in 2005 to the Kenmure Street standoff in 2021 where residents blocked an immigration van.

The "Weegee" Spirit

Refuweegee has distributed over 10,000 welcome packs, each containing a handwritten letter from a local. "Welcome to Glasgow. I like pineapples. What do you like?" read one early note. This ethos is now being tested.

• The Political Threat: Farage has explicitly targeted Glasgow, claiming the SNP cares "more about Gaza than Glasgow" and accusing the council of prioritizing migrants for housing. It is a potent, divisive narrative in a city facing a housing emergency.
• The Community Response: In response to Reform’s rallies, local unions, faith groups, and artists are organizing "Unity Festivals." "They bring hate; we bring food and music," said a community organizer in Govanhill.

The Battle for Holyrood

With the Scottish parliamentary elections looming in May, Glasgow is the prize. Polls suggest Reform could win seats, but Hales believes the city’s DNA is resilient. "The response to the hate is a beautiful thing," she says. "It forces us to be louder about our love."