Flashpoint plan for clashing protests
Security plans are being prepared ahead of demonstrations set to take place in Perth next month.
A group calling itself Scottish Defence League 2 last week announced plans to stage a protest in the Fair City on Sunday, September 10, against permission being granted to set up a new mosque on Jeanfield Road.
Following this announcement, anti-racism group Unite Against Fascism called for a counterdemonstration on the same day.
A spokesperson for UAF said: “The Scottish Defence League are planning to come to Perth to create conflict and violence in our communities.
“Wherever they have appeared racist attacks and intimidation follow.
“We as people who live, work and study in Perth and its surrounding areas oppose their presence.
“We will unite against fascism and we call on all those opposed Both demos are expected to start at the station
to racism and fascism to join us in a celebration of diversity, unity and opposition to fascism.
“Perth has a tradition of diversity and welcoming migrants. The SDL hate our communities working together and want to divide us. Our problems are the result of austerity not minority populations.”
The demonstrations are set to begin at Perth Railway Station.
Inspector Lindsay Clarkson from the British Transport Police said: “Our priority ahead of this SDL march is to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the rail network.
“Officers from BTP will be working hard alongside Police Scotland and Scotrail to keep trains running smoothly and to ensure the environment remains safe for all rail staff and rail users, including those attending the demonstration.
“We will have officers on board trains, escorting attendees to Perth, and will also have a highly visible presence at key stations. Anyone who exhibits antisocial behaviour will be dealt with firmly by our officers.”
A Scotrail Alliance spokesperson said: “We have a policy where we do not allow representatives from political parties or cross party groups to campaign on railway property, either on trains or at stations.
“We do not tolerate antisocial behaviour of any kind on our train services or stations and we will be working closely with the British Transport Police and Police Scotland to ensure that everyone using the railway has a safe and comfortable journey.”
A spokesperson for the SDL told the PA previously: “Local residents contacted the SDL shortly after a paper published an article highlighting their concerns over parking congestion at the proposed mosque site.
“The locals asked us to help them organise a protest against this development, stating the main reason for their opposition is that there is not enough parking spaces for 600 worshippers and it will create parking and traffic congestion which will restrict access to the nearby hospital for emergency vehicles.”