Pro-indy march re-routed as cops face ‘challenging’ day across city
A PRO-INDEPENDENCE march in Glasgow has been re-routed amid concerns over city centre disruption on the same day Celtic play Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup.
Councillors ruled the Scottish Independence Movement (SIM) must end its procession on Saturday, November 2 in Shuttle Street – rather than George Square or John Street as proposed by organisers.
However, Police Scotland told councillors the force faces an “extremely challenging” day on Saturday, November 2, when two loyalist marches and a pro-independence rally in George Square, organised by The National newspaper and expected to attract between 3000 and 5000 people, will take place.
Around 50,000 people are expected to attend the Celtic vs Hibernian clash at Hampden Park
Superintendent Mark Sutherland revealed there was “no intelligence” suggesting any disorder.
However, Police Scotland is unsure how many people will attend the procession, organised by Manny Singh, as it is a new organisation and there is political “uncertainty” around Brexit. Mr Singh, who agreed to change the start time to 11.30am, has estimated between 500 and 1000 people will march.
He said: “On the day, if it is more, we’ll amend the route if needed. I don’t see why you have to try and totally re-route. I’ve agreed to most of the things you’ve asked.”
Mr Sutherland said policing The National event and the Scottish Independence Movement march “may be significant” but remains achievable.
Police believe finishing at Shuttle Street will minimise disruption. The officer also confirmed marchers would not be stopped from joining the rally in George Square after the procession.
The SIM was recently launched by former members of All Under One Banner (AUOB), including Mr Singh.
He was reported to the procurator fiscal for failing to comply with conditions
The organisers had proposed the following route: Kelvin Way, Sauchiehall Street, Blythswood Street, West George Street, Renfield Street, Union Street, Argyle Street, Queen Street and disperse into George Square.
The route imposed by the council: Kelvin Way, Sauchiehall Street, Blythswood Street, Blythswood Square, West George Street, Nelson Mandela Place, West George Street, George Square, George Street and disperse in Shuttle Street. imposed on an AUOB procession in Glasgow in May. Organisers ignored a council order to change the start time of that march, which had been made due to fears for public safety and possible disruption to the community. Mr Singh was sacked by AUOB in July, a decision he disputed.
Council officers raised concerns over a rally, in Glasgow Green, after May’s march, which they said disregarded health and safety legislation. Mr Singh argued there had been no safety issues at that march, describing it as a “very successful event”. He said the council had tried to force him to start earlier but: “A protest is a protest.”
When asked if he would adhere to the council’s decision on November’s march, he said: “It will all depend what decision you make here today.”
‘‘ I don’t see why you have to try and totally re-route