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Should the organisers of marches pay for their policing?

After weekend arrests at an Orange walk in Dumbarton, and Strathclyde Police facing a bill of Β£1m for the last three marches they policed, should organisers pay the costs?

Scotland's second biggest Orange Order march took place in Dumbarton at the weekend after a sheriff overturned an attempt by councillors to ban it on grounds of public disorder. Strathclyde Police is examining the costs of policing such marches amid reports that chief officers are frustrated at both the financial and resourcing implications. It's expected the force will report a bill of around Β£1.12m for this year, at a time when it's complaining of a Β£200m shortfall in its total budget over the next few years.

But would charging for, or even banning certain marches be a denial of our freedoms?

Graham Stewart takes your calls, texts and emails.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 10 Aug 2009 09:00

Broadcast

  • Mon 10 Aug 2009 09:00