COP26 - ACC Ritchie reflects on day two of the World Leaders' Summit
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie takes a retrospective look at day two of the World Leaders' Summit.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said:
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation which puts our values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights at the heart of everything we do.
“This means we will protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest at COP26, balanced against the rights of the wider community.
“We met that objective today with officers deployed to several locations to facilitate peaceful protests.
"Our Police Liaison Teams have been visible and accessible throughout the variety of protests taking place today and we engaged with protestors at the Clyde Arc to facilitate a suitable route and minimise disruption to the wider community.
“Like Monday, the majority of protests taking place have been good spirited and policed proportionately. We would encourage people wishing to take part in other protests to continue in this vein and thank those involved for respecting the rights of their fellow citizens to go freely about their business with minimal disruption.
"We also worked with partners to ensure the safety of the public while the Rainbow Warrior made its passage through the River Clyde.
“We also assisted in the safe and secure arrival of world leaders to the summit and fringe events which have at times required a significant operational policing presence.
“Earlier today, I apologised for the disruption and inconvenience caused to residents who were diverted through Kelvingrove Park on Monday night. As a result of information received at very short notice, we had to change our protective measures. All of us involved in policing this global event – the biggest policing operation in UK history - completely understand the concerns and frustrations caused by the late changes to our operational plans.
"We do, in particular, recognise and acknowledge the commentary from some women who had to walk through the park on their own. We want to keep everyone safe and we know that the onus is on us to recognise when we could provide some more support and visibility to reassure people in our communities.
“The diversion is no longer in place and there are no plans to reintroduce it. Should further diversions be required at short notice for operational purposes, we will look to establish additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.
"We will work with Glasgow City Council to consider whether lighting in Kelvingrove Park can be improved.
“Please remember there is potential for continued disruption to transport networks. Please visit getreadyglasgow.com for information to enable you to plan your journey."
