This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Comment on Edinburgh disruption
04/07/2005
There has been disruption caused by protesters in some
parts of central Edinburgh today.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said:
"We are clearly concerned that some areas of Edinburgh
City centre have faced significant disruption today.
Ministers are monitoring the situation closely and I am
keeping the First Minister updated on developments.
"It is sad and disappointing that a hard core of
protesters are more interested in protest for protest's
sake - and not in joining the rest of the country in
focussing on the real issues of poverty and climate
change.
"We hope that employees and other members of the public
were able to make their way home safely from work this
evening - in spite of the irresponsible behaviour of a few
hundred people.
"The actions and behaviour of those involved today shows
just how out of touch they are with the mood of the nation
- a mood so clearly expressed during Saturday's Make
Poverty History march. I hope that ordinary, peaceful
protesters will see these mindless hooligans for what they
are - and stay well clear of them.
"The police have clearly planned for circumstances such
as these so that any disruption could be minimised. Their
overwhelming priorities were to maintain public safety and
public order. They were focussed and professional in the
face of clear provocation, and have the full support of the
Executive.
"We have made clear for many months that those who come
to Scotland to take part in peaceful protest will
experience policing that is fair, professional and
tolerant. More than 200,000 people on Saturday saw that for
themselves.
"However, those who continue to step out of line will
find out that our police are not a soft touch and will deal
effectively and efficiently with the law-breaking few."