RESURFACED footage shows a Labour council candidate telling crowds of Unionists “no surrender” just days before the independence referendum of 2014.
Henry Dunbar served as Scotland’s most senior Orange Order man between 2010 and 2016, and the most senior in the world from 2015-2018 after being elected Imperial President of the organisation.
The Orange Order, which describes itself as the “oldest and biggest Protestant fraternity in Scotland”, does not accept accusations that it is sectarian or anti-Catholic.
On Friday, it was confirmed that Dunbar will be standing as a Labour candidate in the upcoming May election, as one of two people hoping to represent the party in the Airdrie North ward.
READ MORE: New Scottish independence polling puts Yes and No neck and neck
Asked by The Herald if his links to the Orange Order could influence voters, Dunbar said: “The Orange Order as an institution doesn’t really get involved in politics. They don’t tell their members what to vote, and I certainly wouldn’t suggest to the members that they vote for me. They take me on my merit. I believe I can do a good job for the constituents of the Airdrie North area.
“If I’m fortunate to be elected for the Scottish Labour party, all constituents will be the same to me. At the end of the day, I will support all the constituents.
“Nothing else comes into it. It’s all about supporting the communities. I don’t see why the Orange Order should come into it.
"I’m not standing for the Orange Order, I’m standing for Scottish Labour. I’m a member of the Labour Party. I’m standing for the good of the constituents. I feel very passionate about that. I’m standing for these people and it doesn’t matter to me what creed or religion or colour they are, I’ll be standing 100% for every single one of them.”
Watch the clip
Footage from Channel 4, filmed in 2014, shows Dunbar addressing crowds at the biggest anti-independence march of the referendum campaign – which he helped to organise.
In the clip, Dunbar tells the rally: “Mister Salmond, you will not con the loyal Protestant people of Scotland. No to independence and no surrender to separatism."
Later in the report, Dunbar is challenged by a reporter over a banner on the march which read: “Protestant Action No Popery”.
Dunbar told the journalist: “Well, I didn’t see the banner No Popery, but we would suggest that banner shouldn’t have been there today.”
What have Scottish Labour said?
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “All of Scottish Labour’s candidates have promised to reflect and uphold the party’s aims and values as a tolerant, open and democratic party for the people of Scotland. Mr Dunbar will be held to the same high standard as all Labour candidates across Scotland.”
How have others reacted to Dunbar's candidacy?
Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson tweeted: “Is AnasSarwar seriously planning to stand the former Orange Order ‘Imperial President’ as a Scottish Labour candidate in the forthcoming local government elections? #scottishlabour #judgement #leadership”.
Meanwhile, an SNP spokesperson said: "Anas Sarwar claims to promote tolerance in politics but in desperation for council candidates, Scottish Labour has opened its doors to the ex-leader of a deeply divisive organisation.
"Only the SNP has the positive vision to take Scotland forward. That's why on 5th May, there has to be a vote for the SNP."
And anti-bigotry campaigners Call It Out responded: “This is a slap in the face for every Catholic/Irish Catholic who has ever voted Labour - and there are many. The Scottish Labour Party can no longer speak credibly on bigotry, hatred and inequality.”
Scottish Labour conference
On the same day as the Dunbar news emerged, Scottish Labour chief Anas Sarwar was at his party’s conference appealing to SNP and Tory voters with claims that they have changed.
He had also told The Herald that candidates for Scottish Labour must support the Union, and claimed in a podcast that he will "certainly" be the next first minister.
"We have stood candidates in recent elections who had voted Yes in the referendum, who had previously supported independence but now support Scotland staying part of the UK,” he said.
"So the point I make is 'nobody asks the SNP to stand pro UK candidates in their election campaign.
"I am not going to pretend I am something I am not. I am not going to pretend we believe in something we don't.
"And I am not going to pretend there is some quick fix. We are a pro-UK party. We want to fundamentally reform and renew the UK. And we will try and persuade people to come with us to build that journey together."
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