First Minister has held positive talks to
provide further reassurance to people across Scotland in the
context of ongoing disturbances and disorder in parts of the UK.
The First Minister met with representatives of faith and refugee
groups at Bute House this morning to show solidarity with
communities around the country.
He then met with Scottish political party leaders and Police
Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and
the rest of the UK.
Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said:
“My positive meetings today were intended to provide reassurance
that this is a time for solidarity and that we are united in our
opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder to divide
people.
“I have drawn together faith leaders from across communities in
Scotland to express our solidarity together - we respect each
other and we want everybody to be safe within our society.
“I have also brought together leaders of political parties in
Scotland for a briefing with Police Scotland to enable the police
to set out the work they are undertaking to keep people safe in
Scotland, should we face any events of the type that we have seen
in other parts of the United Kingdom.
“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.”
Background
The First Minister met with representatives from the following
faith and refugee groups this morning:
- Scottish Hindu Foundation
- Scottish Association of Mosques
- Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
- Senior Rabbi, Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue
- Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
- Scottish Episcopal Church
- Church of Scotland
- Muslim Council of Scotland
- Scottish Refugee Council
The First Minister also met with:
- Jo Farrell (Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
- Alan Speirs (Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
- Gary Ritchie (Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
-
Ross MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
-
MSP (Scottish Labour)
-
MSP (Scottish Greens)
-
MSP (Scottish Greens)
- Alex Cole Hamilton MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
