Patriotic Alternative (PA) member Richard McFarlane was again given a platform to speak at a gathering arranged by Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures this past weekend, after anger over his calling to “keep Britain white” at an event outside the Cladhan Hotel in August.
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The denial also comes after members of the group travelled to Epping in Essex with their banner and were photographed with fellow protest organiser Callum Barker. He has in turn been pictured with members of the far-right Homeland Party — which formed as a result of a split from PA.
Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures have said they were aware of McFarlane’s speech, as well as using his use of leaflets and banners, but went on to distance themselves from him, stating “these were not organised, approved, or endorsed by our group”.
In a statement to The National, the group gave no indication of action to be taken — despite previously stating speakers would be vetted prior to events — and reiterated their position on bringing national flags or banners, adding “we do not welcome or promote any other agenda”.
“We are aware that individuals, including Richard McFarlane, have attended our protests with their own banners, leaflets, and messages,” they said. “These were not organised, approved, or endorsed by our group. We have been very clear: If people attend our events under our banner, they should only bring national flags or banners relevant to the issues at hand. We do not welcome or promote any other agenda.
“Our movement exists for one purpose only: To demand answers and accountability regarding the use of the Cladhan Hotel, the crimes that have occurred there, and the lack of transparency from the Government, Home Office, and Falkirk Council. That is where our focus lies, and we will not allow our message to be hijacked or misrepresented.”
They added: “We are a local, grassroots community campaign, not a political organisation, not funded by unions, and not affiliated with any far-right or extremist group. Attempts to brand us otherwise are an insult to the many families, workers, and concerned residents who attend our events peacefully and in good faith.”
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Protesters were also seen holding PA-issued leaflets and a banner was photographed, belonging to McFarlane, which displayed the so-called “Fourteen Words” slogan coined by American neo-Nazi David Lane.
The group’s name itself echoes the primary slogan: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children”.
McFarlane was seen placing the barriers and removing them once the protest had concluded.
When questioned over the origins of the group’s name, they said: “We strongly reject any attempt to associate our group with extremist organisations or far-right ideology. Our name, Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures, was chosen by ordinary local residents to reflect exactly what it says: a community standing up for the safety, security, and wellbeing of families here in Falkirk.
“Any suggestion that it has its origin in, or links to, neo-Nazi slogans from the United States is both misleading and offensive.”
In response to the statement, a spokesperson for Stand Up To Racism Scotland said: “It is simply not credible for Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures to deny links to the far right when, from the very beginning, they have worked hand-in-hand with extremist organisers.
“They have repeatedly given a platform to Richard McFarlane, a leading figure in Patriotic Alternative, a white supremacist hate organisation. These men are not local residents but were invited in to promote their agenda.
“At their most recent protest, a banner openly displayed the ‘14 words’ slogan, coined by US Nazi terrorist David Lane, and across their demonstrations, attendees have been filmed performing Hitler salutes and shouting racist abuse.
“The people of Falkirk deserve to see this for what it is, a far-right Trojan horse, not a grassroots movement.”