Chamber
Plenary, 07 Mar 2007
07 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Football (Sectarianism)
I take Margo MacDonald's point, but I do not think that it is directly related to the debate.
We need to look at the issue of more police on the streets. As recently as last Sunday, I was confronted with a mob of supporters at Meadowbank prior to the Hibs v Rangers match. They were causing public fear and havoc until they were dispersed belatedly by one solitary police vehicle. Police at a local level have the potential to root out gangs and troublemakers who are connected with and integrated into the old firm culture. Instead, police officers are hampered and controlled by red tape, forms and bureaucracy, which are taking them off the streets and away from the communities that need their protection. That will not help to tackle old firm violence, and we need to use the full resources of law enforcement agencies to help combat it.
As Kenny MacAskill mentioned, with violent crime in general on the rise throughout Scotland and regrettable racist incidents in the recent St Johnstone v Motherwell cup tie, it is really no wonder that sectarianism surrounding the old firm institutions is still rife. However, I feel that never before has there been the appetite to tackle sectarianism as there is now. All community sides are taking firm action and developing pragmatic strategies. We must now proceed with a greater contribution from the Government to demonstrate that violent crime will not be tolerated in modern Scotland.
In conclusion, I join Alasdair Morrison in commending the responsible actions of supporters in the Western Isles, who set a salutary example to us all.
We need to look at the issue of more police on the streets. As recently as last Sunday, I was confronted with a mob of supporters at Meadowbank prior to the Hibs v Rangers match. They were causing public fear and havoc until they were dispersed belatedly by one solitary police vehicle. Police at a local level have the potential to root out gangs and troublemakers who are connected with and integrated into the old firm culture. Instead, police officers are hampered and controlled by red tape, forms and bureaucracy, which are taking them off the streets and away from the communities that need their protection. That will not help to tackle old firm violence, and we need to use the full resources of law enforcement agencies to help combat it.
As Kenny MacAskill mentioned, with violent crime in general on the rise throughout Scotland and regrettable racist incidents in the recent St Johnstone v Motherwell cup tie, it is really no wonder that sectarianism surrounding the old firm institutions is still rife. However, I feel that never before has there been the appetite to tackle sectarianism as there is now. All community sides are taking firm action and developing pragmatic strategies. We must now proceed with a greater contribution from the Government to demonstrate that violent crime will not be tolerated in modern Scotland.
In conclusion, I join Alasdair Morrison in commending the responsible actions of supporters in the Western Isles, who set a salutary example to us all.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman):
Lab
The final item of business today is a members' business debate on motion S2M-5596, in the name of Alasdair Morrison, on celebrating success.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament welcomes the substantive progress being made in tackling sectarianism in Scotland; commends the initiatives undertaken by Scotland's larg...
Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab):
Lab
I extend a warm welcome to representatives of Rangers Football Club who are in the public gallery.The twin evils of bigotry and racism blight many societies ...
Mr Kenny MacAskill (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Alasdair Morrison on bringing forward this debate, which is timely and appropriate. It is clear that, in Scotland, we have a significant probl...
Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
LD
I congratulate Alasdair Morrison on securing the debate and on his speech, which covered the ground well. Kenny MacAskill also made many good points.We are a...
John Swinburne (Central Scotland) (SSCUP):
SSCUP
I thank Alasdair Morrison for securing today's debate. People do not realise how much progress has been made. When I went to Ibrox and Parkhead just after th...
Dave Petrie (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
I thank Alasdair Morrison, as well as other members, for bringing up this important issue. I recall with horror my only visit—in the early 1970s—to an old fi...
Margo MacDonald (Lothians) (Ind):
Ind
I do not disagree with many of Dave Petrie's assertions, and I support the moves to end sectarian and racist behaviour that Alasdair Morrison spoke about. Ho...
Dave Petrie:
Con
I take Margo MacDonald's point, but I do not think that it is directly related to the debate.We need to look at the issue of more police on the streets. As r...
Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab):
Lab
I congratulate my colleague Alasdair Morrison on securing the debate. It is especially timely, given that an old firm derby is to be held this weekend and wa...
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Johann Lamont):
Lab
I, too, congratulate Alasdair Morrison on securing this important debate. In particular, I thank him for recognising the Executive's efforts and those of our...
John Swinburne:
SSCUP
Does the minister agree with me that the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980, which banned alcohol from football grounds, was a gigantic step forward in con...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I understand that alcohol can fuel sectarianism and cause difficulties, but alcohol is also sometimes used as an alibi. As with other forms of violence, peop...
Meeting closed at 17:45.