The Scotsman

Extra security over planned climate protest

- By TOM PILGRIM

Security is being stepped up at the Scottish Parliament as the Extinction Rebellion ( XR) protest group begins a new programme of climate change demonstrat­ions.

Police told staff at the parliament building in Holyrood there were plans to “disrupt access to legislatur­es across the UK” on Tuesday next week.

Beginning on Friday, a “regional rebellion” over four days will see protests staged in cities around the country - including London, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Leeds - ahead of larger demonstrat­ions on Tuesday.

Protests this weekend are expected to include roadblocks, marches, sit- ins, bike rides and picnics, with campaigner­s emphasisin­g their ethos of “non- violent direct action”.

A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said: “We were informed by Police Scotland of plans to disrupt access to legislatur­es across the UK on Tuesday September 1. Therefore Police Scotland will have an increased presence around the Parliament building in the lead- up to Tuesday.”

A spokesman f or XR’S Scottish branch said there were no specific plans for a demonstrat­ion outside Holyrood on Tuesday.”

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