'No current need' for Northern Ireland-style Parades Commission in Scotland

There is "no present need" for a Northern Ireland-style Parades Commission in Scotland, a working group set up by the Scottish Government has concluded.

The group accepted that in areas such as Glasgow, "there are significant pressures on the local authority in dealing with processions".

But rather than endorsing any "one size fits all" approach, the group suggested working in "focused areas" could improve the way in which processions are governed.

Its report concluded that changes involving "improved capacity, a shifting of resources, and better processes" could have an impact.

But the report's authors insisted: "We have not heard evidence that would justify the transplantation of the NI Parades Commission model to Scotland."

Set up in 1998, the Parades Commission has the power to cancel, re-route or amend marches in Northern Ireland, including by barring the playing of music or the banning of certain individuals from attending.

After an Orange Order march in Glasgow in 2021 where thousands took to the streets and the police made arrests for "racist and sectarian singing", First Minister Nicola Sturgeon ordered Justice Secretary Keith Brown to assess the merits of adopting a similar approach in Scotland.

Mr Brown went on to set up the Short Life Working Group on Processions in Scotland, whose report was published on Wednesday.

Its 18 recommendations include improving the notification process around marches, to ensure relevant information is available for communities.

The group also concluded there are a "number of ways" which could reduce the need for public order policing at marches and similar events.

The report said these could include training for stewards, and providing organisations with resources to allow for this to happen.

Funding for organisations to "develop skills, including in communication and engagement" is also suggested, along with "the development of mediation practice across society".

According to the report: "Such funding offers a community policing alternative to the deployment of public order resources and thus potentially saves money.

"Moreover, it also underpins the state's commitment to protecting the right of peaceful assembly and other rights and freedoms."

Chair of the working group, Professor Dominic Bryan of Queens University Belfast, said: "We believe that our recommendations will offer a sustainable way forward for the facilitation and regulation of processions in Scotland reflecting important human rights considerations."

The Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, human rights bodies and others will now consider the recommendations.

Mr Brown said: "Marching, parading and protesting is of great importance to many people in Scotland for cultural, community and political reasons.

"The Scottish Government fully recognises this and is committed to freedom of speech and to upholding the human rights of those seeking to participate in such events.

"But in doing this we must also ensure that the rights of those seeking to go about their business undisturbed are also protected.

"As such, a balance must be struck between protecting the rights of those who seek to march or protest and those of the communities impacted by such events."

The Justice Secretary added he is "very grateful to the working group for their dedication and hard work in developing their report and recommendations, as well as to everyone who took the time to speak with the group to give their experiences and expertise".

He said: "We will continue to hold meaningful and productive dialogue with march and parade organisers, community representatives, Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure that, collectively, we continue to work towards achieving the correct balance of right for all."

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