THE politicians who compared the Home Office protests in Glasgow's Kenmure Street to the Rangers fan riots "should know better", one of Scotland's top lawyers has said.
Documents to go before the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) meeting on Wednesday outline the difference between the two events in Glasgow, the first in relation to Border Force operations and the second to do with Rangers fans’ celebrations.
A letter from John Scott QC, of the independent advisory group, updates the board about discussions over the policing of assembly and protest in a pandemic. He draws the conclusion there was no bias from the force in either incident.
He said: “Members of the public have expressed a range of views on the apparent tolerance of gatherings in Glasgow, contrary to coronavirus regulations.
“Some have suggested that neither event should have been allowed to develop into a large gathering.
READ MORE: Patrick Harvie lashes out at people likening Home Office protest to Rangers riot
“That is to ignore the right of peaceful assembly which, especially outdoors, should be given considerable weight, even in a pandemic.
“Some have compared the two events (many have mentioned earlier events as well in inevitable albeit often incomplete comparison) and suggested that Rangers supporters were treated differently than the Kenmure Street protesters.
“They are right but really only at a point when public order considerations required action to prevent serious injury and damage to property.
“In fact, serious injury was suffered by police officers and others on May 15.
“That alone should be sufficient to distinguish the two events and explain the policing approach, despite attempts by some to indulge in ‘whataboutery’, including some politicians, who should know better.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser (above) was one of the politicians who appeared to draw comparisons between the two events.
Fraser shared a Times article comparing the two crowds on Twitter, saying "100% this".
In the lead up the Rangers fan riots, he drew the comparison again, saying that there "can’t be one rule for some and another for others".
The Tory MSP later said drew further comparisons between the two events by saying that "all disorder and violence against the police should be condemned, wherever it occurs - in Glasgow, London, or elsewhere - and whatever the ‘reasons’".
READ MORE: Murdo Fraser under fire for 'irresponsible' tweet about Rangers fan gatherings
The QC's letter goes on to say the approach to handle such incidents should not be determined by public support or abhorrence for a particular group or cause.
Scott added in his letter: “Some political and media portrayal of events in Glasgow this month has used the differences in policing approaches to the different events to suggest bias on the part of police Scotland.
“Our work confirms us in our view that bias played no part in operational decisions.
“Public confidence and police legitimacy can nonetheless be impacted by such portrayals.”
Iain Livingstone, chief constable of Police Scotland, discussed the two events in his letter to the board.
He thanked officers for their work on the “extremely challenging” day of Rangers fans’ celebrations, while he said the Kenmure Street protest developed quickly, which led to them deciding to release the men in the interest of public safety.
The Scottish Tories have been approached for comment.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel