CRASHING out of Europe without a deal could lead to a surge in sectarian violence in Scotland, according to advice given to Scottish ministers.
In a Government document outlining the possible impact of a No-Deal Brexit, Nicola Sturgeon’s cabinet have been told that fighting in Glasgow and the West of Scotland could be a consequence of a change “in the levels of sectarian behaviour in Northern Ireland."
The hellish prediction comes just weeks after clashes between republicans and loyalists in Glasgow.
The document said: “Sectarian hatred is completely and utterly unacceptable to the Scottish Government and the vast majority of Scots.
“We remain determined to ensure that any instances of antiquated bigotry are eradicated from modern Scotland, and we support Police Scotland in taking appropriate and proportionate action to safeguard public safety.
“We are aware any changes in the levels of sectarian behaviour in Northern Ireland could impact Scotland, and are therefore working with partner agencies to ensure we are able to respond appropriately.”
North Ayrshire Council’s Brexit risk register, updated on September 17, and seen by the Sunday Post said: “The legal status of the Irish border in a No-Deal is unclear, danger of recurrence of Irish troubles. Greater sectarian tensions in west of Scotland, including North Ayrshire.”
READ MORE: SNP accuse Unionists of bid to ‘rig’ Scottish independence vote
Earlier this week, Ireland’s deputy prime minister warned that Brexit could lead to “civil unrest”at the Irish border.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Friday morning, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said failing to agree a backstop or an alternative would lead to new border checks, which would have “very damaging and very difficult” ramifications.
This would include “the management of civil unrest,” he said.
Recent weeks have seen police officers in Scotland tackling a riot on the streets of Govan after an Irish unity march and loyalist counter-protest.
On Saturday, we revealed how members of a special police unit set up to quell civil disorder in a No-Deal had been deployed to help keep the peace when four loyalist organisations march through Glasgow.
The 300-strong team was drawn from the ranks of Police Scotland’s public order officers who have specialist training such as in crowd control and cordoning techniques.
It was first established in February, ahead of the first Brexit deadline on March 29, but disbanded following the Article 50 extension. The unit was then reassembled last month as the risk of the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal increased again.
Those marches were given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council officials after police warned that banning them could lead to riots.
READ MORE: Glasgow's sectarian marches and their links to Brexit
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Our view is that if the processions were banned, some form of protest and disorder could still take place and the policing profile for Saturday would therefore be similar. If the processions go ahead it would allow us to continue to engage with known organisers to ensure balanced rights were upheld and to police the events under the conditions agreed by the council.”
Calum Steele, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Clearly anything that risks heightening tensions in Northern Ireland has a very obvious potential to spill over into the west of Scotland.
“One need only look at events in Glasgow over the past weeks to see how tensions on the other side of the North Channel can have a direct bearing on activities on this side of it.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are accelerating Brexit preparations so that we are ready to leave the EU on October 31, deal or No Deal.
“That work includes extensive engagement with the Scottish Government.”
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