Cops pledge robust response for event
AMASSIVE police operation of 10,000 officers a day is swinging into action for COP26 in Glasgow. The Chief Constable of Police Scotland said the force is ready to respond.
Ian Livingstone said the force was ready to cope with the scale of the operation involving around 130 leaders, tens of thousands of delegates and the unpredictability of demonstrations and protests
To those intent on violent disorder or damage I have a clear message. We will respond swiftly and robustly. I’m focused and confident of Police Scotland’s ability to lead this operation.”
He said if people block roads or transport infrastructure they will be removed using “physical engagement”.
He said the images of that may look messy but that was the type of engagement with protesters that is planned if they refuse to move.
Mr Livingstone also said that there was no current intelligence of a terror threat to COP26.
He said the terror threat level was “moderate”.
He said: “We have been working closely with colleagues across the UK and I’ve spoke with MI5 director General. We discussed contingency plans and joint working which is essentially this: “There’s nothing that’s been brought to our attention through intelligence that there’s a terrorist threat to COP26. “The threat level has been put at moderate, which means it is possible nut not likely. There are contingencies in place.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
said ahead of the event that there will be disruption but that the potential for a breakthrough deal was worth it.
Sturgeon said: “Take a step back and remember this summit really matters.
“It is, I hope, the case, that Glasgow looks back with a sense of pride for something I hope will be a turning point.”
She said: “I want the UK’s presidency of COP26 to be a roaring success.”
The possibility of a Covid spike has been raised as a possibility with so many people coming to the city.
Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director, said there was a huge safety operation at the SEC to minimise the risk of infection.
All entrants need to show proof of a negative test every day before they enter the site and strict rules are in place.
He said: “We can run it safely but I can’t manage everyone’s behaviour.
“We do not want to import transmission.”