Concerns no-deal Brexit could fuel sectarian violence in Scotland

Police wearing Anti-Sectarian Initiative jackets at the Old Firm match between Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic at Ibrox, Glagow. Picture: PA

Sectarian violence could surge in Scotland in the wake of a no-deal Brexit, ministers have warned.

They say they’re “aware any changes in the levels of sectarian behaviour in Northern Ireland could impact Scotland” just weeks after violent street clashes between Republicans and Loyalists in Glasgow.

The Scottish Government warned of more trouble linked to sectarianism after a council dossier, outlining the potential impact of Britain crashing out of the EU without an agreement, said an end to peace in Northern Ireland could lead to “greater sectarian tensions” in the west of Scotland.

The Scottish Government said: “Sectarian hatred is completely and utterly unacceptable to the Scottish Government and the vast majority of Scots. We remain determined to ensure that any instances of antiquated bigotry are eradicated from modern Scotland, and we support Police Scotland in taking appropriate and proportionate action to safeguard public safety.”

North Ayrshire Council’s Brexit risk register, updated on 17 September, said: “The legal status of the Irish border in a no-deal is unclear, danger of recurrence of Irish troubles. Greater sectarian tensions in west of Scotland, including North Ayrshire.”

Terrorism expert and award-winning writer Kevin Toolis, author of Rebel Hearts, said: “It is strange that the rise of these sectarian marches in Glasgow seems to be occurring even though the violence of the Troubles is 20 years behind us.

“Somehow Brexit has unleashed these forces that were dormant. The tragedy of Brexit is that we have lost a national consensus.”