Scottish Greens previously wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to raise concerns

Scottish Greens justice spokesperson Maggie Chapman has called on the Scottish Government to review a policing agreement that reportedly saw 200 Police Scotland officers deployed to Northern Ireland to support policing around a sectarian march.

Following a weekend of chaos and heightened tensions around an Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road in Portadown, the MSP is seeking clarity over the role of Police Scotland officers and demanding a review of the agreement that enabled their deployment.

She insists that this should never happen again in the future.

Ms Chapman wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray, on Friday to raise her concerns, but at the time of writing has not received a response.

Maggie Chapman, pictured at top of page, said:

“This march was designed to spread tensions and hatred and to intimidate the community and families who are trying to get on with their lives.

“The organisers knew exactly what they were doing, and the Parades Commission was utterly wrong to allow it.

“It is deeply concerning that Police Scotland officers were deployed to support policing around a march that caused such fear and division.

“The Scottish Government must be transparent about what role Scottish officers played, what resources were committed, and whether they think this agreement is appropriate.

“Scotland should not be providing policing resources for sectarian events like this that are called to inflame tensions.

“The Scottish Government must review this agreement and ensure that Police Scotland officers are not deployed for events like this again.”]

TEXT OF MAGGIE’S LETTER TO NEIL GRAY

Dear Neil,

URGENT: Police Scotland involvement in the proposed Garvachy Road march, Portadown

I am writing to express serious concern about the proposed Orange Order march along Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday 27 September, subject to any intervening court decision, and my understanding that Police Scotland officers are being deployed to support the PSNI.

Given the history and sensitivity of this dispute, the prospect of Scottish officers being used to facilitate a march opposed by the local community raises profound questions about their role, accountability and the arrangements under which they have been deployed.

I would be grateful for urgent answers to the following:

• Can you confirm whether Police Scotland officers are being deployed, how many are involved, and what duties they will perform? In particular, will they operate on or around Garvaghy Road, undertake public-order duties, or provide cover elsewhere to release PSNI officers for the march?
• Who requested and authorised this deployment, and when were Scottish Ministers informed? What assessment was made of its implications for residents’ rights, community relations and public confidence in policing?
• Will you seek and publish clear assurances that Police Scotland officers will not be used to impose this march on the local community, including by forcibly removing peaceful protesters or restricting residents’ access to their homes and places of worship simply to clear the route?
• What command, oversight and complaints arrangements will apply? What briefing and safeguards will ensure that officers understand the local context, protect peaceful protest and prioritise de-escalation?

I also ask that you initiate a review, with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, of the reciprocal or mutual-aid arrangements under which this deployment has been agreed. Please identify the agreement and legal basis being relied upon and publish its terms, subject only to necessary redactions.

That review should examine whether existing arrangements provide adequate scrutiny and safeguards when Scottish officers are requested for highly contentious operations involving significant community opposition. It should also clarify the circumstances in which assistance can be declined, restricted or withdrawn, and what accountability exists to the Scottish Parliament and the public.

I recognise the operational independence of policing. Nevertheless, there is a clear public-interest responsibility to explain how Scottish policing resources are used and what safeguards govern their deployment. Mutual aid must be grounded in protecting people and their rights, with proper regard for the consequences for communities.

I am deeply concerned that Scottish officers could become involved, directly or indirectly, in forcing a contentious parade through a community against its wishes. I ask you to make urgent representations to ensure that their involvement does not contribute to that outcome.

Given the timing, please provide an initial response before Sunday’s proposed march, followed by a substantive written response addressing each of these questions and the requested review.

Yours sincerely,

Maggie Chapman MSP

Meanwhile, the Orange Order says it’s “disappointed and frustrated” by what it says is a lack of a “proper policing plan” but vows to “complete our 1998 parade”

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, who is among the demonstrators, has urged protesters to “stay the course” until “at least” midnight and says she “stands with the residents”

NI Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant has called for both sides to “double down on compromise” – he has returned from the Labour Party conference to have meetings with local leaders

Police are calling for protesters to disperse – the march will go ahead when the road is clear, the Orange Order says. A “sterile zone” is in place to keep the two sides apart

The DUP has criticised Sinn Féin’s participation in the protest, and Carla Lockhart MP says there will be “profound” consequences if the Parade Commission’s determination is not upheld

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The deployment of police officers on mutual aid is an operational matter for the chief constable.

Police Scotland has been approached for comment.