POLICE have issued a statement amid rumours that a far-right demonstration is being planned for Glasgow on Wednesday (August 7).
There were suggestions on social media that the far-right violence which has spread across England and Northern Ireland in recent days could arrive in Scotland, with a protest planned for Glasgow’s George Square.
However, police have insisted that they have “no intelligence to suggest any protest is planned”.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: “We are aware of speculation circulating about a protest in George Square, Glasgow, today.
"There is no intelligence to suggest any protest is planned. Please be wary of what you read on social media, and avoid speculation and sharing information which [may] be inaccurate.”
We are aware of speculation circulating about a protest in George Square, Glasgow, today. There is no intelligence to suggest any protest is planned. Please be wary of what you read on social media, and avoid speculation and sharing information which my be inaccurate. pic.twitter.com/e3ievKJuJV
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) August 7, 2024
Susan Aitken, the leader of Glasgow City Council, said that the local authority was "liaising very closely" with Police Scotland and asked people to "please be aware of [the police's] important message".
Later on Wednesday, assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie said in a statement: “We understand the violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom is causing concern and 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.
"We are aware of a number of planned protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately."
The rumours had led several charities and businesses to close their Glasgow offices or tell staff to work from home for their own safety.
The charity Volunteer Glasgow wrote on Facebook on Tuesday night that “to take extra caution in relation to the safety of our staff and service users”, they would be closing their office for two days and cancelling a drop-in session planned for Wednesday.
The charity noted that the reports had been “unconfirmed”.
Sources within other charities, which The National has decided not to name, said they had also taken the precautionary decision to close their offices or tell staff to work from home amid concerns about far-right violence.
The campaign group Stand Up to Racism had issued a series of calls for people across England to attend counter-protests against planned far-right demonstrations on Wednesday in cities and towns including Sheffield, Bristol, Southampton, Derby, and Liverpool.
However, a protest in Glasgow’s George Square was not on their list.
Far-right agitator Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who likes to be known as Tommy Robinson, has promoted a protest for Glasgow's George Square which is to be held on September 7.
Glasgow City Council said that no notification of any "pro-UK" rally had been received and that Yaxley-Lennon and his “ilk” would not be welcome in the city.
