The First Minister has said he “can’t predict the future” over whether far right protests will travel north of the border, as police ramp up preparations in case unrest breaks out.
John Swinney made the comments as rumours swirled on social media on Wednesday that a rally would take place in Glasgow’s George Square, prompting businesses to close early and workers sent home for their safety.
Police Scotland issued a statement to quash the rumours and assure the public that the force did not believe any such action would be taking place.
It comes after scenes of mass disorder across England, Wales and Northern Ireland over the last week.
ITVThe violence in other parts of the UK, which has seen racially-motivated assaults on people and businesses, has caused concern across the country.
Swinney urged members of the public not to act on unfounded online speculation, and said Scots should “stick together” amid a “deeply anxious time” for communities.
It comes as he met with faith leaders to discuss the ongoing situation on Wednesday at his official residence Bute House, and later was joined by members of other political parties and Scotland’s chief constable.
Scottish GovernmentHe told STV News: “Police Scotland are undertaking a huge amount of intelligence gathering to make sure that should we face a situation in Scotland where there is any potential disorder, we have the necessarily police resources in place to address such a situation.
“I think its really important that we stick together as communities in what is a deeply anxious time for people and I heard these views very clearly from representatives from the faith communities of Scotland this morning and I’m pleased that the political leaders of Scotland have come together this afternoon to make it abundantly clear that we believe there is absolutely no place for conflict of this type within our society and our communities should be peaceful places for everybody.”
Over the weekend, social media rumours about an alleged stabbing in Stirling prompted Police Scotland to take the unusual step to issue a description of the suspect that had been arrested as white and from the local area.
Callum Fisher, 29, was later charged with assault to severe injury and attempted murder and appeared in court on Monday, where he made no plea and was remanded in custody.
Scottish GovernmentSwinney spoke out about “bogus information” circulating online about the incident and said the police were right to intervene.
On Wednesday, he said that while he “can’t predict the future” regarding any unrest to come in Scotland, he said work was being done to ensure preparations are in place “should we face that eventuality”.
He continued: “Part of that involves signalling to all communities in Scotland that they are entitled to live in safety and protection, that is very important to me as First Minister.
“We can also make clear that there are preparations in place should we face such disorder. I hope we don’t face that disorder, I hope people respect the fact that we have cohesive communities in Scotland and that protests of this type, violence of this type has absolutely no place in our society.”
No suggestion of ‘far-right protest’ say police as fears force office closures
STV NewsPolice Scotland said there was “no intelligence” to suggest there would be a “far-right” rally in Glasgow on Wednesday after speculation online prompted some offices and businesses to close.
Posts shared on social media suggested there were plans for a protest in George Square.
Audit Scotland, Scotland’s public spending watchdog, closed its offices in the city centre and instructed staff to work from home.
Police urged members of the public to be “wary” of social media reports and to avoid speculation.
Assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie said: “We are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.
“We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.”
ACC Ritchie said the force was aware of a “number” of planned protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks – but not on Wednesday.
He said these gatherings would be “policed appropriately”.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101,” he said.
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