Increased police presence planned for Holyrood as climate protesters target MSPs

MSPs have been warned of a heightened police presence at Scotland's legislature next week as part of planned protests by the Extinction Rebellion movement.

Police Scotland will have an increased presence around Holyrood and Edinburgh on Tuesday.

Politicians and staff at the Scottish Parliament have been told that the climate protest group intends to “disrupt access” to legislatures across the UK on Tuesday.

In an email sent out to those based at Holyrood, management at the parliament said that they had been contacted by Police Scotland.

They said the force alerted the to “expect activity” outside the parliament as part of a nationwide, co-ordinated day of protests.

The email, seen by The Scotsman, states: “Plans are being put in place to ensure that everyone who needs to enter the building on Tuesday will be able to do so.

"Police Scotland will have an increased presence around the city and the parliament building in the lead up to Tuesday.”

Seven committee meeting are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, including the economy, energy, and fair work committee.

While some committees are continuing to be held virtually online, it – along with meetings of the rural economy and delegated powers committees – is being held in a room inside the parliament campus.

In London, a mass blockade is planned at Westminster, with protesters set to urge MPs to sign a new climate and ecological emergency bill. It had originally been planned for May, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Other protests are scheduled for Cardiff and Manchester.

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