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  4. Working group rules out Scottish parades commission

Working group rules out Scottish parades commission

3rd November 2022 | human rights

Local rather than national regulation of marches and parades in Scotland has been recommended by the Scottish Government's Short Life Working Group on Processions.

The group was asked to consider whether an approach similar to that taken in Northern Ireland, with its Parades Commission, should be adopted here. Its report aims to strike a balance between protecting the rights of those who seek to march or protest and those in communities affected by such events.

It considers that a national parades commission is not necessary in the context in Scotland, as improvements could be best handled by local partners.

The report makes a further 17 recommendations, including:

  • a human rights based approach, based on notification rather than licensing, while ensuring relevant information is available for communities;
  • the initial step in considering whether or not restrictions on a procession might be justified should be whether a procession raises rights-based concerns;
  • looking at ways in which communities, relevant groups and civic authorities can be resourced in order to reduce the need for public order policing.

The Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland, COSLA and human rights experts will now come together to consider the report recommendations and agree the best way forward.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown said: "Marching, parading and protesting is of great importance to many people in Scotland for cultural, community and political reasons.

"The Scottish Government fully recognises this and is committed to freedom of speech and to upholding the human rights of those seeking to participate in such events. But in doing this we must also ensure that the rights of those seeking to go about their business undisturbed are also protected. As such, a balance must be struck between protecting the rights of those who seek to march or protest and those of the communities impacted by such events.

"I am very grateful to the Working Group for their dedication and hard work in developing their report and recommendations, as well as to everyone who took the time to speak with group to give their experiences and expertise.

"We will continue to hold meaningful and productive dialogue with march and parade organisers, community representatives, Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure that, collectively, we continue to work towards achieving the correct balance of right for all."

Read the report here.

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