The Scottish Defence League (SDL) have withdrawn plans to march through the city centre of Glasgow this month.

Organisers took the decision after meeting with council officers and say they will now hold a static demonstration somewhere in the city centre instead.

The move has been welcomed by Glasgow MSP Humza Yousaf, who last week spoke out against the protest alongside political leaders of all of Scotland’s parties, in an open letter to the council.

The letter called on the council to refuse permission for the SDL to hold a public procession through Glasgow’s streets.

Glasgow City Council had expressed fears over public safety around the march, which had been planned to take place between Blythswood Square and George Square on February 25, and had been holding discussions with the group to discuss safety concerns.

Councillor Alex Glass said: “There will be no authorised march.

“The council had made it clear to organisers from the start that it had legitimate concerns about this proposal.”

In a statement made to STV two weeks ago, council bosses said they had initially asked the SDL to hold their demonstration in a private area such as a hall.

Glasgow MSP Humza Yousaf said: “I am pleased that the application has been withdrawn now and we won’t see a procession of hate through the city streets.

“It should be clear to the SDL that everywhere they go the people of Glasgow will be in their shadows and in bigger numbers than they are.”

A spokesman for the SDL told STV that plans for the static demonstration still had to be finalised.

Paul O’Donnell, SDL regional organiser and spokesman, said: “We’ve withdrawn our application for a parade through George Square.

“We are now going to have a static demonstration.

“It will still be in Glasgow City Centre. We are still having meetings with officials just now and negotiating details.”

Local authorities have limited powers to control public processions, however have no powers over a static demonstration.