GLASGOW needs to “pull together” to oppose the threat of sectarian violence spreading throughout the city, the council has been told.
Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader, will instruct officers to investigate the possibility of a temporary ban on all loyalist and republican marches following recent disorder in the city.
Ms Aitken also confirmed at today's full council meeting that a ban “would be workable” and provide “breathing space” to find a long-term solution to prevent sectarian violence.
READ MORE: Orange Order to protest in George Square over march ban
It comes after Labour councillor Frank McAveety asked Ms Aitken to comment on the riots that took place in Govan on Friday, August 30.
Councillor McAveety is calling for a cross-party working group to tackle the increasing challenges facing Glaswegians.
Speaking at the full council meeting, Ms Aitken, said: “No councillor or council officer bears any responsibility for the sectarian behaviour that has taken place recently.
“The only people responsible are the ones who took part in the violence.
“The disruptive behaviour in Govan and at the Irish Republic marches, which saw a police officer injured, was carried out by individuals who wanted to cause trouble.
“We allowed these marches to continue following the advice from Police Scotland.
“I have now asked officers to consider every option available to us, including whether a moratorium on such marches in the interests of public safety would be workable and provide all stake holders with the breathing space needed to find a long-term solution.
“I will be bringing forward a paper for the city administration committee to discuss soon. We need to pull together for the benefit of our city.”
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon backs council over decision to ban republican and loyalist marches
On Wednesday the local authority agreed to ban six marches scheduled for this weekend, although it is anticipated protesters will still turn up.
Councillor Aitken continued: “The Scottish Government has agreed to support the council deal with these issues. Police Scotland has also changed its advice regarding the upcoming demonstrations.
“Members will be aware that we have prohibited the six marches although officers do anticipate that people will still turn up and a high police presence will still be needed. There are other procedures planned in the weeks to come.
“We are in a new situation. Whatever we thought we knew about sectarianism is in the past, we need to learn and pull together in respect of this new threat to help our communities.”
Glasgow’s Labour leader agreed that the safety of residents was a priority and that all political groups should be able to work together to find a way forward.
READ MORE: Schoolboys among 11 arrested at Irish republican march
Councillor McAveety also believes that every party should be involved in ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government to try and find a solution to this problem.
He said: “Sectarianism has begun to rear its ugly head on Glasgow’s streets again, and it simply cannot go on.
“We know these issues are part of the wider history of our city. The scenes we have witnessed have been nothing short of a disgrace.
“We also need a cross party consensus and for the leaders of all political groups to get involved to protect people’s right to protest but the safety of our residents is key.”
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