Glaswegians have gathered in protest of the planned lock-change evictions of asylum seekers in the city.

Home Office contractors Serco announced their plans to begin their removal programme, starting in July and around 30 taking place each week.

People took to Buchanan Street on Saturday to demonstrate their opposition to the announcement, which will affect around 300 asylum seekers in the city.

Organised by Stand Up To Racism Scotland, the protest featured a number of speakers including chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council Sabir Zazai and Glasgow MPs Paul Sweeney and Chris Stephens.

READ MORE: Asylum seeker lock change evictions plan by Serco sparks anger in Glasgow

Addressing the crowds, Mr Zazai said: "We all have a shared responsibility.

"Just imagine if 300 people of any other background were at risk of homelessness. We would have had an outcry. These people are equal. Refugee rights are our rights.

"We are all committed to working together to ensure there are clear options for people in that position."

He highlighted his fight last month against the Home Officer after they denied his father a visit visa to watch him receive an honorary doctorate.

He was awarded the certificate from Glasgow University for his services to civil society over the last 20 years, but the Home Office refused, saying it did not believe the 79-year-old would return home to Afghanistan after the ceremony.

READ MORE: Serco quizzed on Glasgow asylum seeker eviction methods

Paul Sweeney, MP for Glasgow North East, attended the protest and spoke after Mr Zazai. 

He said:: "These are people who are highly skilled.

"Doctors, engineers, solicitors: people who can add so much potential to our community.

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"Yet, we hold them in an open prison - the title of that prison is Serco accommodation in Glasgow."