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Rally opposes 'anti-Islamic' demo | Rally opposes 'anti-Islamic' demo |
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Strathclyde Police has put in place a major operation to prevent trouble at two opposing demonstrations in Glasgow. | |
The Scottish Defence League (SDL)- an offshoot of the English Defence League - plans to hold an "anti-Islamic' demonstration in the city later. | |
At the same time, a group called Scotland United is staging a celebration of multiculturalism in Glasgow to oppose the SDL rally. | |
Scotland United is backed by trade unions, politicians and faith groups. | |
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is among the speakers at the Scotland United rally, organised to oppose the views of those involved with the SDL. | Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is among the speakers at the Scotland United rally, organised to oppose the views of those involved with the SDL. |
Public safety is paramount for the police, and should any event turn out to pose a risk to public safety then we will respond accordingly Assistant Chief Constable Fiona TaylorStrahclyde Police | Public safety is paramount for the police, and should any event turn out to pose a risk to public safety then we will respond accordingly Assistant Chief Constable Fiona TaylorStrahclyde Police |
It will be followed by a march through the city centre and will culminate in a minute's silence at George Square for victims of racial violence. | It will be followed by a march through the city centre and will culminate in a minute's silence at George Square for victims of racial violence. |
Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said the force was "fully prepared" for both events. | Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said the force was "fully prepared" for both events. |
"A significant amount of planning and preparation has been undertaken by the force and a detailed policing plan is in place with sufficient resources available to respond to any incidents," she said. | "A significant amount of planning and preparation has been undertaken by the force and a detailed policing plan is in place with sufficient resources available to respond to any incidents," she said. |
"We would like to reassure members of the public who intend to come into the city on Saturday that our aim is to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we would suggest that people allow extra time for their journey. | "We would like to reassure members of the public who intend to come into the city on Saturday that our aim is to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we would suggest that people allow extra time for their journey. |
"As always, public safety is paramount for the police, and should any event turn out to pose a risk to public safety then we will respond accordingly." | "As always, public safety is paramount for the police, and should any event turn out to pose a risk to public safety then we will respond accordingly." |
Avoiding confrontation | Avoiding confrontation |
The time and location of the SDL protest is not yet known. | The time and location of the SDL protest is not yet known. |
Organisers and supporters of the Scotland United rally said it would be a peaceful event celebrating Scotland's multiculturalism. | Organisers and supporters of the Scotland United rally said it would be a peaceful event celebrating Scotland's multiculturalism. |
Osama Saeed, of the Scottish Islamic Foundation, said: "For the first time in a generation the far-right are attempting to march in Glasgow. | Osama Saeed, of the Scottish Islamic Foundation, said: "For the first time in a generation the far-right are attempting to march in Glasgow. |
"What we're seeing is Scottish civil society rising to that challenge. | "What we're seeing is Scottish civil society rising to that challenge. |
"It was a challenge but also an opportunity for us to celebrate all that is best about our diversity and multiculturalism and to show, crucially, colleagues in England how to manage this." | "It was a challenge but also an opportunity for us to celebrate all that is best about our diversity and multiculturalism and to show, crucially, colleagues in England how to manage this." |