It’s business as usual, insists First Minister
THE PEOPLE of Scotland must not allow terrorism to triumph and should go about their business as usual, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Following confirmation that the UK’s terror threat level has been raised to critical, the FM chaired another meeting of the Resilience Committee in the early hours of this morning.
It came as political parties agreed to suspend campaigning for a second day.
The First Minister said every event over the next two weeks will be reviewed and more armed police have been stationed at key locations and more Armed Response Vehicles are on patrol.
Airports and train stations across Scotland’s cities saw an immediate increased police presence.
Many commuters passing through Glasgow’s central station this morning commented on their shock at seeing police officers with guns patrolling the concourse.
City centre worker Elaine McKay said: “It was really strange to see. There were about four of five officers near where I got off my train carrying guns, it’s just hard to get your head around.
“I suppose it does make you feel more safe in a way but it’s also intimidating.”
Attendees of the Scottish Cup final this weekend will also have full body and bag searches as a security measure, Nicola Sturgeon confirmed.
The First Minister said: “While raising the UK terror threat level to critical has been judged a necessary response to the despicable attack in Manchester, we must not allow terrorism to triumph.
“I urge the people of Scotland to be vigilant but not alarmed and, as far as possible, to go about their business as usual.
“Police Scotland have already visibly increased their presence in locations such as transport hubs and city centres as a precaution.
“Security arrangements for upcoming public events, including this weekend’s Scottish Cup final, are being thoroughly reviewed and the public should anticipate additional safety measures such as full body and bag searches.
“Our emergency services prepare extensively for situations such as this, and those well-rehearsed plans are now being put into practice.”
The First Minister added: “Anyone who was i n Manchester and witnessed the terror attack or its immediate aftermath will undoubtedly be feeling stressed or upset.
“Anyone with concerns about themselves or their children should contact their GP for support or NHS 24 if their GP surgery is closed.”
Police officers in Scotland will be assisting colleagues in Manchester gathering evidence on the attack.
Greater Manchester Police has appealed for anyone in Manchester city centre on Monday night with dashcam video footage to contact them.
Officers from Police Scotland have been at train stations and motorway service stations on the M6 and M74 between Manchester and Scotland in an attempt to identify people returning from the concert who may be important as witnesses.
Police Scotland said the public should expect to see a greater number of officers on patrol.
Ms Sturgeon said the attack was “particularly cruel in its targeting of young people enjoying a pop concert”.
Campaigning in the General Election was suspended after an agreement between all the main parties.
Ms Sturgeon gave an update on security arrangements at the Scottish Parliament and was joined by the other party leaders in condemning the attack.
She sent out a message from the Scottish people of solidarity with the people of Manchester and those affected by the bombing and also one of defiance to the terrorists.
The First Minister said “We know that terrorists and extremists look to destroy our way of life.
“Our best response now and always is to stand firm together with determination and in solidarity”
Other political leaders echoed Ms Sturgeon’s sentiments.
Kezia Dugdale, Scottish Labour leader, said there would be a “toughening of our resolve in the face of terror”.
She added that there would also be “a renewal of our belief in the enduring British values of tolerance and respect.”
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: “We must repeat, that we will not be beaten by the twisted ideology of terrorism. We must repeat, that we will not ourselves descend into hatred or rage.”
While Patrick Harvie, of the Greens, also urged people to reject hatred.
He said: “In recognition of the grotesque motivations behind such an act, the intention to divide our society and sow further hatred, I agree with the First Minister that our response must be grounded in determination to stand together and to strengthen the bonds between us.”
LibDem leader Willie Rennie, echoed the message to the terrorists. He said: “They will not succeed. Our better human values will prevail. It is hard today, here and in Manchester, to say that, but our better human values will prevail.”