A temporary ban on loyalist and republican marches could be enforced across Glasgow.
The leader of Glasgow City Council confirmed at this afternoon’s full council meeting that a ban “would be workable” and provide “breathing space” to find a long-term solution to prevent sectarian violence following recent disorder in the city.
Speaking at the meeting Councillor Susan Aitken said: “No councillor or council officer bears any responsibility for the sectarian behaviour that took place in Govan or at the weekend. The only people responsible are the ones who took part in the violence.
“We allowed these marches to continue following the advice from Police Scotland.
“We need to find a long-term solution to address these problems and I will be bringing forward a paper for the city administration committee to discuss soon. We need to pull together for the benefit of our city.”
As reported on Glasgow Live earlier today, it comes as a further 14 marches are scheduled to take place across the city in September.
Six marches have already been cancelled over fears for public safety.
The city’s Public Processions Committee ordered the prohibition of the parades (due to take place at the weekend) on Wednesday.
A GCC spokeswoman said: “The council has always been clear that the law expects it to facilitate public processions; including those that some people oppose or find offensive.
"However, the right to march has to be balanced against the rights of people and communities across Glasgow.
"It is clear, both from the intelligence gathered by police and the tone of comments made by supporters and protesters, that tensions are high and the situation threatens to deteriorate further.
"The council directly appeals to those who would have taken part in these marches, or who planned to mount protests against them, to comply with the orders made and not bring further disruption to city streets."
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