Hundreds expected in Govan to protest Loyalist flute band march
AS many as 200 Republican protesters could line the streets of Govan today as a flute band parade marches through Glasgow.
In a submission to Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland claim their intelligence suggests a significant protest with elements of ‘violence’ and ‘disorder’.
The document, shared by Glasgow City Council on their website, shows Police Scotland’s submission which led to a decision being made to allow four Loyalist marches to go ahead this weekend.
The decision follows a temporary prohibition implemented last week in the city which stopped six parades taking place over the weekend.
Now, despite the council pleading with marchers from the Pride of Govan Flute Band to cancel their parade, which will see around 800 people on the streets of the area, four Loyalist processions will go ahead.
In the submission, a police official wrote they are still unsure where any counter protest will take place.
The note goes on: “Police Scotland continues to monitor intelligence and community tensions in relation to the proposed processions and to consider its likely impact on the local community.”
The letter, written before the decision was taken to allow the four marches to go ahead, also indicates there would have been a severe reaction if a ban had been put in place this weekend.
Officers also claim their ability to ensure public safety is reduced during marches such as this, with cops ready to intervene and deploy ‘significant resources’.
Police wrote: “Intelligence has also been received that many of the Loyalists groups taking part in the planned parade have travelled some distance and incurred costs around accommodation.
“It also indicates if the parade is prohibited there will be extreme anger and significant potential for disorder from the Loyalist community.”
While disorder and disruption to the community in Govan is expected by police, the report claims they do not expect any problems at three other parades in Springburn, Drumchapel, and in the city centre, where the Independent Loyal Orange Order will pass a pro-Independence Hope Over Fear rally.
Police Scotland’s role in public processions is to inform local authorities on decisions made by councils, as the decision to amend the route, the timing or prohibit any procession is a matter for the relevant local authority.
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Local authorities have the power to amend or prohibit processions.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “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 or prohibit any procession is a matter for the local authority.”