More than 20 agents were deployed to suppress the "Operation Standstill" protesters, who were trying to block the main arteries of Glasgow. The group promises to continue the mobilizations until the Government responds to their demands
The group also stated that the mobilization will continue until the Government listens to their demands. In previous posts, the Scottish Citizens Army had warned that the protests would seek to create disruptions in the streets to increase pressure on the authorities.
Tension rose again in the streets of Glasgow after Police Scotland deployed more than 20 officers to suppress a group of protesters participating in the so-called “Operation Standstill”, a protest organized by the Scottish Citizens Army against the British Government's immigration policies.
The protesters gathered on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 8, aiming to advance towards Charing Cross and the M8 motorway to cause disruptions during rush hour. The police intervened before they could reach the main thoroughfares and used police vehicles to block some access points.
Images shared on social media showed numerous officers surrounding and suppressing a small group of participants. The organizers described the intervention as a “kettle” police, a tactic whereby security forces surround a group to limit their movements. However, Police Scotland maintained that the officers acted to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions in the city center.
The protest was not limited to an immigration issue. The organizers raised a much broader list of problems that, according to them, are deteriorating living conditions in Scotland: mass immigration, rising taxes, lack of housing, delays in the healthcare system, homelessness, mental health issues, and drug trafficking.
The police ultimately managed to prevent the gathering from reaching the M8. The protesters moved towards the center of Glasgow and ended up gathering near Queen Street station before dispersing around 7:00 PM.
The episode comes after serious disturbances in Glasgow during a protest in July, which resulted in numerous arrests and prompted a police investigation into the disorder. Police Scotland later reported that they were still identifying individuals involved in those incidents.
The new mobilization shows that the debate over illegal immigration, security, housing, and public services is becoming increasingly contentious in Scotland. For its organizers, “Operation Standstill” is just beginning.
