ANTI-RACISM campaigners are set to hold a protest outside of a Katie Hopkins comedy gig in Edinburgh.
The right-wing commentator and former contestant on The Apprentice has previously been condemned for claiming that “migrants are like cockroaches”, engaging in climate change denial, and describing London as “Khan’s Londonistan”.
In recent years Hopkins has attempted to rebrand herself as a comedian.
She is scheduled to perform one show in Perth and two in Edinburgh as part of her latest tour entitled Silly Cow.
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However, anti-racism group Stand up to Racism have said they will peacefully protest outside of Hopkins’ show in Edinburgh on May 17.
Scottish Greens co-leader and Edinburgh MSP Lorna Slater said that Hopkins’ “dehumanising” comments about migrants had no place in Scotland.
“I am deeply disappointed to hear that notoriously far-right commentator Katie Hopkins is scheduled to host an event in Edinburgh later this month,” she said.
“Her dehumanising comments about migrants and her horrific, Islamophobic views do not represent the people of Edinburgh and should have no place or platform in Scotland.
“No one should be made to feel unsafe in their city. Scotland is defined by its welcoming and compassionate values and those who espouse hatred and racism are not welcome here.
“I want to thank representatives from Stand up to Racism for all the work they are doing for people around Scotland and for their steadfast advocacy in the face of hatred.”
In Perth, the group Perth Against Racism has organised an evening of comedy, music and poetry on the scheduled night of Hopkins’ appearance as an alternative to her “hateful rhetoric”.
However, in Edinburgh protesters are due to make their voices heard outside the BMC Social Club where Hopkins will perform.
Ross McKenzie, an independent councillor representing the ward where Hopkins is due to appear, will address protesters on the evening.
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He called on Edinburgh residents to resist the divisive rhetoric being spread by Hopkins.
"Katie Hopkins makes her living by spreading racist hate speech,” he said.
“She lost her media platforms after using overtly fascist rhetoric and is now having to resort to events like these in private members' clubs.
"It's very disappointing to see that this event is scheduled to take place in the Sighthill/Gorgie ward that I represent.
“The area is home to many working class migrants whose interests are indivisible from those of the wider population.
“We must resist all attempts to divide people according to race, religion or ethnicity".
Last year, a Hopkins gig set to take place in Dundee was cancelled after the venue was subject to a backlash.
Bosses at the Whitehall Theatre said they cancelled the performance “due to the concerns of the public”.
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