Extra security over planned climate protest
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.”