COP26 - ACC Gary Ritchie reflects on first day of World Leaders' Summit
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie has been reflecting on the first day of the World Leaders' Summit at COP26 in Glasgow.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said:
"Throughout the 18 months of preparation for COP26, Police Scotland has consistently said its aim is to deliver a safe and peaceful event for heads of state, delegates, protesters and members of the local community alike.
"We have seen the safe and successful arrival of more than 120 world leaders at the conference for the opening event.
"Today, throughout the central belt, a variety of protests have taken place with a minimum of disruption. The majority have been good-natured. These have been policed proportionately and appropriately, balancing the rights of protesters and the needs of residents and businesses in the surrounding areas.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and we put the values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights at the heart of everything we do.
"We also carried out significant engagement with partner agencies to facilitate the movement of the Greenpeace vessel, the Rainbow Warrior, along the River Clyde.
“The ship is now docked at the King George V docks in Glasgow. This area is not within the exclusion zone in place for COP26.
“Action to facilitate the passage of the Rainbow Warrior was taken in consultation with the harbour authority and in-line with Police Scotland’s approach to facilitate peaceful protest during the course of the conference.
“As the vessel has not breached any of the COP26 restrictions, any subsequent action or investigation will be led by the harbour authority.
“While it is still early days, we are grateful to everyone involved for the continuing good-natured mood today, and we urge everyone involved to continue in this fashion.
“Major road restrictions remain in place. People need to consider their plans carefully and avoid unnecessary travel.
“The Get Ready Glasgow website has extensive information about road closures and traffic hotspots and is a valuable resource for journey planning during COP26."
