Pro-Palestinian campaigners to stage rallies across Scotland on Armistice Day

Police Scotland has confirmed there will be more officers on the streets today

Demonstrations calling for a ceasefire have been held weekly in Glasgow.
Author: Kara ConwayPublished 11th Nov 2023

Activists are set to gather at a number of demonstrations across Scotland to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The events are being organised by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) - a group consisting of religious organisations and activists including Scottish Friends of Palestine and the Muslim Community of Scotland.

One of the rallies will take place in Glasgow on Saturday, with organisers saying it will be held at the Buchanan Street steps at 1pm to allow veterans and the public to attend Armistice Day commemorations in George Square nearby.

Ahead of the rallies, SPSC chairman Gerry Coutts said: "The focus of our rally will be on people killed in wars, including both world wars, with a renewed call to end all wars.

"We will also call for an end to war crimes, including those currently being committed in occupied Palestine.

"The conflict did not start on October 7.

"The besieged people of Palestine have endured over seven decades of illegal occupation, violence and loss of land and rights.

"We are calling for an immediate ceasefire and with it concrete steps from the international community to bring lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

"This can only happen by respecting international law and by bringing an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine."

The Prime Minister has previously said he would not back a ceasefire as this would only benefit Hamas.

The demonstrations come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions, with a pro-Palestinian march in London on Armistice Day being branded "provocative and disrespectful" by Rishi Sunak.

Police Scotland issued a statement ahead of planned events in Scotland over the weekend.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: "Protests so far have been largely peaceful and groups from all perspectives have maintained good engagement with policing.

"We continue to engage with those organising demonstrations to ensure rights to peaceful assembly and protest are protected while minimising disruption to communities.

"Public safety is our priority and people may see more officers than usual in our cities and towns this weekend.

"Hate crime, violence or abuse do not represent legitimate protest and we will respond professionally to offending."

Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at MFR. Listen on FM, via our MFR app, on your DAB radio, online at MFR.co.uk, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker.