Party leaders across the political spectrum, trades unions, and faith groups in Scotland have signed an open letter calling on Glasgow City Council to refuse permission for the Scottish Defence League to hold a public procession in Glasgow.

SCoJeC has previously condemned the Scottish Defence League and deplores its attempts to stir up racial tension, fuel distrust between communities, and contribute to the conditions in which extremism of all kinds will thrive. We express our solidarity with all those who are the target of their warped views.

"We the undersigned express our extreme concern at our streets being used for the peddling of hatred. We vigorously oppose giving the Scottish Defence League (SDL), or any of their offshoots, permission to hold a public procession through Glasgow.

We understand that an application has gone in to Glasgow City Council and that the SDL are in discussions with the police and the local authority. We urge all authorities to reject this application on the grounds of public safety and moral decency.

With previous SDL and EDL processions we have witnessed mindless thugs attack shopkeepers, business owners and taxi drivers. While we passionately defend freedom of speech – regardless of how unpleasant it may be – we do not believe vile, toxic hate should be given free rein in our streets.

Glasgow has a proud history of fighting fascism and tackling racism. We are proud of our multicultural diversity and as such we wish to send out a loud and clear message that racism is not welcome in our city. We seek your assurances that these concerns will be taken on board and that any application for the Scottish Defence League to march in our city's streets will be rejected."

Signatories: