Police Scotland's Chief Constable Jo Farrell has warned that weekly protests across the country are creating significant operational pressures for officers. Her report to the Scottish Police Authority highlights "challenging dynamics" from growing numbers of anti-immigration demonstrations and pro-Palestinian protests.
The protests include weekly anti-immigration demonstrations outside asylum seeker accommodation, which often attract counter-protests. In Falkirk, opposing groups have staged regular demonstrations outside the Cladhan Hotel, while pro-Palestinian groups have protested against the UK Government's proscription of Palestine Action.
Growing coordination concerns
Farrell noted that protest numbers have recently increased, with evidence of coordination among some groups. She told the Scottish Police Authority: "Anti-immigration protests have been taking place every weekend at different locations across Scotland."
The Chief Constable explained that while most demonstrations remain peaceful, there have been instances where conventional officers struggled to manage crowd dynamics. She said: "The volume of people attending has recently grown and an element of co-ordination amongst some protest groups exists."
Complex policing environment
The situation is complicated by overlapping causes between different protest movements, according to Farrell's report. She described: "Events are occurring within the context of ongoing public dialogue and protest in relation to the proscription by the UK Government of Palestine Action group as a terrorist group."
Police Scotland maintains a national command structure to handle the protests, with Farrell emphasising that law enforcement will remain "proportionate". She acknowledged the strain on officers, stating: "Engagement and communication is a crucial part of what we do. We are proud of our approach but the relentless challenge of carefully managing such an intense and fragile issue has an impact."
Other police operations
Separately, Farrell's report updated the board on Operation Portaledge, which investigates gang feuds across eastern and western Scotland. Arrests connected to this operation have now reached 57.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
