John Swinney has said he has “deep concern” about escalating violence across the UK , as Police Scotland said online speculation over a protest in Glasgow city centre was “inaccurate”. The First Minister held a meeting with faith leaders at Bute House on Wednesday afternoon in a show of “solidarity”, as police south of the Border were preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter-protests. Mr Swinney told journalists he had “confidence” in Police Scotland’s ability to handle any potential demonstrations in the country amid reports of planned events in cities such as Glasgow.
However, police chiefs have warned against the spreading of misinformation over planned events after officers dispelled speculation about a far-right protest in Glasgow’s George Square on Wednesday. An account named the Scottish Defence Group posted on TikTok telling people to attend a “peaceful protest about hundreds of illegal fighting age men being housed in our communities that are a danger to our children” in Paisley on Friday evening. Mr Swinney said: “I’m very concerned – as many people are in our community – about the violence that has erupted in other parts of the United Kingdom.
” Referencing reports of unrest in Scotland, he said people were “entitled to protest” but added: “What people are not entitled to do is spark prejudice and violence – that has to be tackled.” He said Police Scotland were undertaki.