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Scottish Tories call for police to be banned from Pride events
Scottish Tories call for police to be banned from Pride events

The National

timea day ago

  • Politics
  • The National

Scottish Tories call for police to be banned from Pride events

The court ruled on Wednesday that one of the UK's largest forces breached impartiality by marching at an LGBT+ event. A judicial review was brought by a gender-critical campaigner who argued that Northumbria Police broke the professional oath sworn by police officers to act "with impartiality". Officers had a stall at last year's Pride parade in Newcastle, marched under the Progress flag promoting transgender ideology and painted a police van in trans colours, while Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine was pictured at the event. Now the Scottish [[Tories]] have called on Police Scotland to ban staff participation in Pride events. READ MORE: Activist slams 'draconian' law as protester arrested at Palestine Action demo Scottish Tory community safety spokesman Sharon Dowey said: 'The public expect the primary role of police officers to be fighting crime and upholding community safety, so this ruling is a potential landmark moment. "At a time of low officer numbers and savage cuts to the police budgets on the SNP's watch, attending parades is not what Scots expect to be a priority. "It is common sense that public safety should always be the top priority for the force." David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, has also backed the court ruling and appeared to compare Pride events with Orange Order marches in his comments. He said: 'The problem is where do you draw the line? If an officer is a member of the Orange Order and wants to take part in an Orange walk while in police uniform, for example, would you allow that – how would that go down? 'Police have to do their job in an apolitical way - without fear or favour. 'The lines had become blurred but this judgment clarifies the situation." READ MORE: Keir Starmer aide's former firm in lobbying probe Kennedy said he believed officers in civilian clothes on their time off should be allowed to participate, for example by carrying flags or banners, but they should not wear uniform. A Pride march is set to take place in Glasgow on Saturday. In his ruling at the High Court in Leeds, Mr Justice Linden said Northumbria Police might be seen by the public to be 'taking sides' in the women's rights debate. It is understood Police Scotland is reviewing the High Court judgment.

Scottish Government to meet Orange Order after air rifle shot
Scottish Government to meet Orange Order after air rifle shot

Glasgow Times

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • Glasgow Times

Scottish Government to meet Orange Order after air rifle shot

OFFICIALS from the Scottish Government are to meet with the Orange Order, John Swinney has said, after an air rifle was fired at participants in a recent march. Thousands marched through Glasgow earlier this month as part of events to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. During the day, four people were struck with 'air weapon pellets', according to police, while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported. READ MORE: Richard Murphy in explosive spat with BBC presenter over 'pro-Union bias' Speaking to the PA news agency, First Minister John Swinney (below) confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date. (Image: PA) 'The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today,' he said. 'Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order. READ MORE: Popular Scottish travel blogger dies at home after false West Bank claim 'In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society. 'These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland.'

Bunting, bagpipes and bouncy castles bring joy to Augher
Bunting, bagpipes and bouncy castles bring joy to Augher

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Bunting, bagpipes and bouncy castles bring joy to Augher

Red, white and blue bunting fluttered in the cool breeze under a blazing hot sun as families lined the streets of Augher for the Tyrone town's first Twelfth parade in six years. While many came prepared with picnics and deckchairs, local shops still did a roaring trade in ice creams, lollies, and cool drinks as excitement built for Saturday's march. Described by some as 'short and sweet', those who came to see the family-friendly Clogher Valley Twelfth parade clearly enjoyed it. Children, waving Union Flags, grinned from ear to ear as around 18 local bands, along with Orange Lodges, made their way through town led by Fivemiletown LOL No. 15 and Annahoe LOL No. 6. Classic cars, including a Mini wrapped in a Union Flag, gleamed in the sunshine, while a pair of white horses pulling a carriage driven by Tommy Irwin delivered a memorable end to the procession from Favour Royal Road down Augher Main Street to the final field along the A4. Augher Orange Order's Ian McClung told The Impartial Reporter: 'It's probably one of the best attendances we've had for a number of years. "The atmosphere, with the weather, has been superb. Ours is very much a family Twelfth.' While he described it as 'relatively small compared with some of the other demonstrations', he said it was a 'great day' which attracted 'thousands'. 'What we lack in size, we make up for in quality and the atmosphere that's here. Everybody parks on the route, brings a picnic, gets their chairs out, and sits in front of the car to enjoy the parade as it goes past. "We've made a particular effort with the bouncy castle, swing boats, and everything else. "It keeps the younger generation interested, and the older generation just likes to sit about and catch up with family and friends.' Brothers Stephen and Ivan Watt said their Lodges had been preparing for the parade for months. While members of different Orders, the pair said it really is a 'family day out'. 'I've been marching since I was 17 and I'm 58 now,' Stephen said, before taking his place in the procession. In the final field, there was a resounding air of celebration and family time. While Orders chatted under gazebos to shield themselves from the searing sun, children played on swing boats and queued for ice creams at several vans dotted around the event ahead of the speeches. Minister of Clogher Valley Free Presbyterian Church, Reverend Peter McIntyre, told this newspaper before addressing the crowd: 'It's a beautiful day.' Rev. McIntyre said he was there to 'share the faith' in a time when 'church attendance [is] falling'. 'The theme is to be a Christian — it's a choice we all have. It's great to celebrate our Protestant heritage. "King William was a Christian, and reformed Christianity lies at the heart of what made modern Britain. "At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether we are Protestants, Roman Catholics, Muslim or Hindu — there's only one Saviour for us. That's the message I have.' He added: 'In the Clogher Valley, and I've been here for 23 years, community relations are outstanding. We don't have the sectarian strife you see in other areas. "People get on very well with each other.' Worshipful District Master of Fivemiletown No. 15, Nigel Trotter, said: 'We always get the weather for the Twelfth in Augher. "It might be one of the smaller Twelfths, but what is small in quantity, we make up for in quality. "Our local bands, silver bands, pipe bands, accordion bands, and flute bands, come from within a 15-mile radius and are second to none. "There has been a fantastic turnout of spectators. The whole route was lined on both sides. "They were having their picnics and enjoying themselves — and that's what today was all about. It's a family day.'

Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow
Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow

Scottish Sun

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • Scottish Sun

Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow

They previously urged the First Minister to take 'decisive action' 'COWARDLY ACT' Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OFFICIALS from the Scottish Government are to meet with the Orange Order after an air rifle was fired at participants in a recent march. Thousands marched through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Orange Order bosses slammed yobs who fired an air rifle at marchers 3 Thousands of Orange Lodge members marched through the city on July 5 3 The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister Credit: PA During the day, four people were struck with "air weapon pellets", according to police, while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported. Speaking to the PA news agency, the First Minister confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date. "The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today," he said. "Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order. "In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society. "These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland." The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister about the "cowardly" act which they say "endangered lives". A spokesperson said previously: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expresses deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred, where members of our Institution were targeted and fired upon with an air rifle. "This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members. "The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily. Hundreds step out for women's Orange Walk through Glasgow "We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members. "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice."

Orange Order to meet SNP Government officials after accusing John Swinney of 'silence' over air gun attack
Orange Order to meet SNP Government officials after accusing John Swinney of 'silence' over air gun attack

Daily Record

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • Daily Record

Orange Order to meet SNP Government officials after accusing John Swinney of 'silence' over air gun attack

John Swinney described acts of violence against the Orange Order as "completely and utterly unacceptable". The Orange Order is to hold a meeting with SNP Government officials after an air rifle was fired at a procession, John Swinney has said. ‌ Thousands of OO held their annual "Big Walk" through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. ‌ Police later reported that four people were struck with "air weapon pellets' while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported. ‌ The organisation also claimed its halls have been vandalised and that female members have been abused online. A senior lodge leader later claimed "silence" from the First Minister was giving a "green light" to attacks on Protestant groups. Grand Master Andrew Murray laimed "the silence from the first minister itself almost gives a green light to attack our parades". Murray denied there was any sectarian aspect to the marches. He added: "We have a place in society, we're a law-abiding organisation and we work cross community." The First Minister today confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date. "The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today,' he said. "Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order. "In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society. These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland.' ‌ David Walters, executive officer of the Orange Lodge of Scotland, claimed that if any other group had been attacked then the incident would have been taken more seriously. He cited an example of "abhorrent" vandalism at a Catholic school in East Renfrewshire, which Swinney subsequently visited to express solidarity. Walters said: "The first minister, in days, was over at that school for graffiti, yet when eight people are shot we don't see sight or sound of him." Asked why he though that was the case, he replied: "I think it's because we're a unionist group." Thousands of people marched in Glasgow on July 5. The biggest Orange Order walk in Scotland generally takes place the weekend before July 12 celebrations in Belfast. Police Scotland said the procession was passing along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Street, when the the suspected air gun attack happened. The force said the following day that four people had been hit and that it was investigating the "dangerous" incident. Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire.

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