Scottish Police Federation chief: ‘Your side is as guilty as the other’

Nationalists, unionists, “statue wreckers and statue protectors” are as guilty as each other when it comes to recent coronavirus protests, the Scottish Police Federation has said.

The body, which represents rank-and-file officers, issued a statement after far-right loyalist protesters targeted a rally in Glasgow on Wednesday calling for improved living conditions for refugees.

At least six people were arrested following scenes labelled “disgraceful” by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Federation chairman David Hamilton said: “The public cannot expect the police service to turn a blind eye to those who break the law in the name of a particular cause while demanding different treatment for opponents.”

He said events “over the weekends of June 6 and 13” – which saw Black Lives Matter protests and a gathering of people purporting to protect statues in Glasgow’s George Square – and Wednesday night’s disorder have “laid in tatters any suggestion that non-compliance with the coronavirus restrictions is a serious issue”.

He said it is unacceptable for groups to gather “under the guise of any particular cause” during the pandemic.

“At the same time as a family is unable to have more than 10 people mourn the death of a loved one, hundreds (and thousands) are able to gather with impunity and without criticism, simply by carrying a banner or a placard,” he said.

“There is no moral high ground to be claimed. Right or left; green or blue; unionist or nationalist; statue wrecker or statue protector, your side is as guilty as the other.”