City is quizzed over plans for far right march

THE council has been questioned over its plans to avert trouble at a proposed march by the far right in the Capital.

The Scottish Defence League – an offshoot of the English and Welsh Defence League – is understood to be preparing to march in the city on 20 February. Around 120 people attended a similar march in Glasgow last November.

Council leader Jenny Dawe has branded the far right group "ill-informed and offensive" and stated that the council was committed to tackling "discrimination, prejudice and intolerance"."

Councillor Angela Blacklock, spokesperson for equalities for the Labour Group, said it was important the council set out what plans were in place to avert trouble at the proposed march.

Referring to comments in the Leader's Report which mentioned a successful counter demonstration which was organised in Glasgow, she also suggested support should be provided for a similar demonstration in Edinburgh.

Councillor Blacklock said: "It is my concern that the council is in talks with an organisation which is largely Glasgow-based."