Party leaders in unity show against threat of riots and disorder in Scotland

The first minister and leaders of the opposition parties are “unified in our opposition” to the disorder taking place across the UK, John Swinney has said.

Following a meeting at Bute House, which was also attended by the chief constable, the party leaders said they were working together in response.

Police Scotland has said it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure any violence or disorder is responded to immediately.

The force had earlier issued a statement addressing speculation about a gathering in Glasgow on Wednesday evening, saying it had “no intelligence to suggest any protest is planned”.

It is urging people to “think twice” before sharing information on social media as this could result in heightening tensions in communities.

The first minister, who also met with faith groups earlier today, said: “The displays of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia seen in other parts of the United Kingdom have no place in democratic society, and I want to reassure people in Scotland that we have plans and preparations in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.

“We are absolutely not complacent and remain vigilant. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable who has reassured me that Police Scotland has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face the same challenges.” 

Hundreds of people have been arrested as social unrest has continued to impact communities in England and Northern Ireland.

Police forces across the UK are braced for further problems in the coming days. Riots and other disorder have been ongoing for several days following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport, fuelled by the spread of misinformation online.

Assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie said officers would be conducting “enhanced patrols” and directly engaging in communities, and anyone causing violence or disorder would be “dealt with swiftly and robustly”.

He added: “We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.

"I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.”

Speaking after the Bute House meeting, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross called for a “zero-tolerance approach”. He said: “This was a constructive meeting convened by the First Minister allowing myself and other opposition party leaders to discuss the situation here in Scotland with the Chief Constable and other senior police officers, in the wake of the recent riots in other parts of the UK.

“That violence has understandably concerned many communities across Scotland about the possibility of similar disturbing scenes occurring here. I was reassured that Police Scotland are continuing to monitor any potential events north of the border and that robust measures are in place to keep people safe.

 “There must be a zero-tolerance approach towards this appalling behaviour and that anyone responsible will be met will the full force of the law.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar cautioned against becoming “complacent” and said communities must “stay prepared”.

He said: “I think it's really important that we speak with one voice to say that we will not allow the actions of a mindless minority of Far Right thugs who want to incite violence to define our country. 

“I've been really reassured by both the language, the actions and the tone of the UK Government, the Scottish Government, and also Police Scotland, who have been very clear that this is an open, welcoming, tolerant country and that we will not stand for violence on our streets.”

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has said the parliament must be recalled from summer recess should there be an outbreak of violence in Scotland in the coming days.

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said a “coherent and informed police response” was “vital”, but he also called on politicians to address “the conditions which have made this possible”.