Public Processions in George Square

The consultation on the code of conduct for public processions closed on 17th September. Green Councillors submitted a response which included comments on the proposal regarding use of George Square as appropriate assembly or dispersal point for large or high risk procession.

There is a need to strike a suitable balance between the natural desire of groups to be in a highly visible part of the city and the natural wishes of the surrounding residents to have reasonable access to facilities such as public transport without having to wait for the passage of parades.

George Square should continue to be used as an assembly and dispersal point. There is a requirement to protect human rights and to promote democratic principles which encourage citizens to engage in a range of peaceful activism to express their opinions.There is a need to maintain the public's right to hold rallies and marches which focus on the main civic square in the city and at the seat of Local Government.

There is a consultation ongoing at the moment about the possible change to the layout and design of the George Square. It is anticipated the pedestrianisation of the square will resolve traffic management issues and it is hoped can reduce the number of vehicles in the area.

The city is an air pollution hotspot and use of George Square can discourage travel by car as public transport options, particularly the subway and rail network are close at hand. George Square should be a safer gathering place for people to gather as a result of designs being brought forward.

Further data collection is needed on the use of George Square for assembly and dispersal, and the impact this has on the city, compared to other locations. This can inform the requirements for stewarding and event management arrangements for each procession using George Square.

The Council should be concerned with promoting the engagement of Glasgow’s citizens in the cultural and political life of the city. This is particularly important as part of reaching out to young people who may feel that they are excluded on the basis that they cannot vote, lack paid work or support minority causes. George Square is the historic meeting place for activities to protest against injustice, cuts to services, change to government policies, or international events e.g. bombing of Iraq.

George Square was originally a private garden which had its railings taken down by the public and it has a proud tradition as a meeting place for working class struggle against oppression. In a time of economic uncertainty and global environmental crisis, this main civic arena should  be protected as a safe place for disenfranchised and issue-based groups to gather and make their voice heard.