I cannot stay silent and pretend everything is okay; this is not just another column for another week.

I am deeply sickened by the tragic murder of the girls in Southport and shocked by how the far right has distorted the truth and spun misinformation following the horrific attacks in Southport, heightening Islamophobia and racism in the process.

I write with a certain bias. I am a female, a Muslim, and a proud Glaswegian, and I refuse to conform to any narrative set by haters or the far right.

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I am also increasingly aware of the impact recent events are having on diverse communities, Muslim communities, women of colour and Muslim women feeling particularly vulnerable.

We have been witnessing a disturbing shift in the political landscape.

In the general election, the right gained popular support, with Reform beating the Conservatives in all Glasgow seats.

The Conservatives have resorted to cheap slogans like “Stop the Boats” to garner votes.

Worse still, the media has given airtime to divisive figures who stoke fear and hatred, overshadowing voices that represent our democratic values.

I represent Govanhill, a diverse area of Glasgow. Our community is rich in cultures, languages and food.

Though there have been attempts to stir division and far-right agendas - local Govanhill communities have united against division which gives me hope.

But hope alone won't drive change. To combat the far-right, we need meaningful change for working people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds and it is imperative we have a more inclusive community.

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The far right says immigrants are to blame for the housing shortage. What about the budget cuts risking the building of new homes? 

The far right says immigrants are the reason crime is on the rise. No recognition for the failure to keep our police stations open and cuts to the policing budget. Everyone is suffering from the rundown of public services. 

Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

I believe in a more inclusive curriculum that reflects both our shared history and our cultural diversity.

In a world of social media and fake news, education is our shield against the far right.

In parallel it is imperative social media platforms are accountable and take action against misinformation and incitement of violence.

We also have to ask the question - Is our policing adequately resourced to combat online hate and incitement of violence? 

I am concerned that what we may be seeing is a change in the pattern of hate incidents and hate crimes.

With many perpetrators now moving online and hiding behind the cloak of anonymity with victims not knowing how to go about complaining about such anonymous incidents. 

Sometimes, small steps can help - like more recognition for community events whether it's the  Glasgow Mela or the Govan Fair. 

We need to look at how we can address our slave trade association and other historical wrongs, whilst also commemorating Glasgow's rich history of campaigns for social justice eg the rent strikes, the campaigns to keep the shipyards open, and the anti-apartheid movement. 

If we do not recognise our past, good and bad, and be honest, how can we move forward to a better brighter, fairer and more inclusive future?

I'm hopeful far-right politics won't grip Glasgow. To prevent this, we must tackle the issues being weaponised and build a more inclusive society for future generations.