‘Robust and swift response’ planned for any rioting in Scotland

First Minister John Swinney told the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday that the disorder seen in England and Northern Ireland should not be classed as protests.

“This was violence and thuggery pure and simple, perpetrated by those with a far-right ideology, by those who had been taken in by that rhetoric, and by criminals,” he said.

“Far from having legitimate concerns, those indulging in these mindless acts were doing so from a place of racism, Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment.

“This cannot, and should not, be tolerated anywhere.”

He added: “We cannot take the view that we may be immune from related disorder occurring on our own doorstep.

“We must guard against prejudice, discrimination and misinformation that aim to incite hatred and violence.

“Let me be clear to anyone in Scotland considering mimicking the kind of vile behaviour we have witnessed in parts of England and Northern Ireland this summer that their actions will not be tolerated, they will be dealt with robustly and criminal actions online will be taken just as seriously.”