Police were out in force at the Scottish Defence League rallyAlmost 200 supporters of the far right group were heavily outnumbered by officers drawn from forces across the central belt. They were penned in after the city council refused them permission to march. A counter demonstration of about 400 Unite Against Fascism protesters was allowed to hold a procession. They marched along Princes Street before attending a rally.
A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police confirmed there was a "substantial police presence" and said both demonstrations passed off without incident and without any arrests. The Lothian and Borders force was supported by officers from Strathclyde, Tayside, Fife, Central, and British Transport Police.
Assistant Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "We are satisfied with the conduct of the vast majority of those who visited Edinburgh for their respective demonstrations. The day passed without significant incident and allowed local residents and businesses to go about their day with minimum disruption."
He added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the public in Edinburgh for their patience and support throughout the policing of this event. Edinburgh remains a hub for various demonstrations to take place and Lothian and Borders Police have a wealth of experience in facilitating both planned and spontaneous gatherings."
The Scottish Defence League is an offshoot of the English Defence League, which has been associated with trouble at gatherings south of the border. Last year there were minor skirmishes when about 50 SDL supporters staged a rally in the capital. They were outnumbered by 2,000 counter-protesters marching under the banner of Scotland United.
This year the SDL had originally wanted to march from near the US Embassy to the east end of Princes Street. This proposal was turned down by members of the council's licensing committee over fears of public disorder.
Speakers at a UAF rally were due to include Malcolm Chisholm MSP, Colin Keir MSP and union representatives.
BBC
Particularly poor/hilarious showing from the "Scottish" Defence League today.
ReplyDelete20 Scottish fascists, 20 NWI/NEI & 60 EDL at best despite their usual empty threats! Their chanting was directed at each other for the most part including "We're not with them" whilst pointing at each other, dualing EDL/SDL/NWI chants which drowned each other out and failing to make up an anti-UAF chant resulting in a brief moment of skinheads chanting "U..U..UAF"
Agree with the previous comment - BBC news has overestimated the number of fascists. Photos of their protest can be seen here http://www.photest.com
ReplyDeleteThere's only about 50 SDL in the country anyway.
ReplyDeleteThey're an absolute joke.