Argyll police to help cope with COP26

Police officers from Argyll and across rural Scotland will be deployed to Glasgow to aid security at November's UN climate change summit, when disruption and protests are expected.

 

Held at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Centre in Glasgow from October 31 to  November 12, COP26, the United Nations 26th Conference of the Parties will involve one of the largest policing operations ever undertaken in the United Kingdom. Approximately 10,000 officers will be deployed each day during the two-week conference.

 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'A number of policing officers from Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Mid Argyll and Kintyre will be committed to supporting the policing operation.

 

'While the conference is being held in Glasgow, the impact of COP26 will not be limited to the city.

 

'We expect to see possible protest activity, associated events and delegates staying in other areas in Scotland.

 

'Our response to incidents and day-to-day demand will not be compromised by the policing of COP26.

 

'We still have a responsibility to police other events that will be ongoing at that time, including Operation Moonbeam – the policing response to Bonfire Night.

 

'While the policing of an event of this size puts incredible demand on our resources, the strength of our national police service allows us the flexibility to ensure that our communities will receive the same very high standards of service during this fortnight.

 

'Please be reassured we will be here if you need us.'