Religious leaders given ‘absolute assurance’ of support, says Murray

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has written to religious leaders in the wake of violence in other parts of the UK to give an “absolute assurance” of support.

Violence sprung up in England and Northern Ireland in the past week as a result of anti-immigrant demonstrations which led to rioting following the killing of three young girls in Southport.

Dozens of people have been arrested as a result of the unrest.

Police Scotland said there is no intelligence suggesting similar disorder is expected north of the border.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Murray said the violence was “unacceptable and intolerable”.

“Two messages must be made clear – that those responsible for violence and rioting will face the full force of the law, and that the politics of hate and division can never win,” he added.

“I know that many communities in Scotland are concerned that violence may spread here. We do know that misinformation has been spread about events in Scotland.

“I spoke to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland today and made clear to her that she and her officers have my full support.

“I am reassured that Police Scotland do not have any specific intelligence that disorder is likely in Scotland at this point, but we must not be complacent.

“The Chief Constable is in close touch with her counterparts across the UK, including to share information, and of course mutual aid arrangements are available between forces across the UK.”

A number of mosques have been attacked in the rioting, as well as hotels housing those seeking asylum in the UK.

In response to concerns from ethnic minority communities, Mr Murray has sought to give reassurance.

“I have today written to religious leaders to give them my absolute assurance that I will do everything possible to support them at this difficult time. I know that the Chief Constable is aware of their concerns and has already taken steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Scotland’s communities.

“There is no place in Scotland for this sort of violence, hate and xenophobia. We simply will not tolerate it.”

The comments come after First Minister John Swinney met with members of the Muslim community in Edinburgh on Monday.

During the visit to Edinburgh Central Mosque, Mr Swinney said police were monitoring the situation “very closely”.

The First Minister also warned against “unhelpful speculation” over the weekend after a woman was stabbed in Stirling.

Social media rumours – trumpeted by English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson – began to spread, accusing the perpetrator of being Muslim, with suggestions three women had been injured.

In an unusual step, Police Scotland said the man eventually arrested in connection with the attack was white and from the local area, while just one person was hurt.