Republican marches to go ahead in Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has decided to allow two Republican marches, scheduled to take place in the city centre on Saturday, to go ahead.

It is despite riots, which broke out between Loyalist and Irish Unity groups, in Govan on Friday night.

The local authority says cancelling the demos would place an extra burden on the police and it is safer to let them go ahead.

A Cairde Na Heireann (Calton Republicans) march expected to attract 100 participants starts at 2pm on Millroad Street, Calton, and ends at Clyde Street in the city centre.

Meanwhile, 300 people are expected to take part in the Friends of Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association (IRPWA) parade which starts at 3pm at Blythswood Square and ends at Barrowlands Park in the Gallowgate.

As part of this process, the Chief Executive and officers from Police Scotland met the organisers of this weekend’s processions.

In order to inform her decision, the Chief Executive also had extensive discussions with senior Police Scotland officers. Following those discussions the Chief Executive has decided not to call another processions committee.

This has the effect that the marches can go ahead as previously agreed with the organisers.

Annemarie O’Donnell, the Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council said:

“The scenes we saw in Govan on Friday were a disgrace and they must not be repeated. However the options open to Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland are limited, both by the law – people’s right to march and protest - and by circumstance.

“At this time, I am satisfied that severely restricting or prohibiting Saturday’s processions would not reduce the likelihood of further trouble and might place additional burdens on Police Scotland as they manage an already difficult situation. I understand that people may not agree with this decision, but after my discussions with the police I am convinced this presents the best chance of keeping people safe.

“Ultimately the responsibility for ensuring that Saturday’s marches are safe lies with the organisers and the protesters. They must commit themselves to behave in a way which will not further stretch the patience of their fellow Glaswegians."

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Following the disorder last Friday, we provided further information at the request of Glasgow City Council about two processions planned for Saturday, 7 September.

“Our view is that if the processions were banned, some form of protest and disorder could still take place and the policing profile for Saturday would therefore be similar.

“If the processions go ahead it would allow us to continue to engage with known organisers to ensure balanced rights were upheld and to police the events under the conditions agreed by the council.

“I need to appeal to people who plan on taking part in processions or counter protests to do so peacefully.

“We will have a range of policing resources, including a range of specialist assets, in attendance and will take any necessary action against anyone causing disruption.

“The decision to amend the route or the timing, or to prohibit any procession is a matter for the relevant local authority.

“Police Scotland is required to assist councils to make informed decisions by making appropriate representations on notifications which could potentially significantly risk public safety, disorder, damage to property or disruption to the life of the community."

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