Counter terrorism chief praises Scottish approach

SNP Home Affairs spokesperson, Pete Wishart MP, has welcomed comments by the Director-General of the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism praising Scotland’s community cohesion and ability to prevent young people becoming radicalised and joining terror groups.

In an interview, Charles Farr, said: "I think the nature of communities in Scotland is discernibly different from the nature of communities south of the border. You have an ability to reach in and develop a strategy of this kind."

Farr also added that an independent Scotland would not be any more vulnerable to terrorists, saying: "It is not something that has crossed my mind that there is something inherent about independence that would make Scotland unsafe."

Mr Wishart said:

"The Director Generals comments are very welcome, and a tribute to our young people.

"Scots Asians are part of the Scottish tartan, woven into the fabric of our society. Studies show that young Asians feel even more Scottish than their non-Asian counterparts - who also feel incredibly Scottish!

"Those who commit terrorist acts do so on the basis of their own individual, warped view of the world, they do not represent any of Scotland's great faith communities.

"One of the clear objectives of terrorists is to divide communities from each other, and to divide them from within. Part of the Scottish Government's programme is to make sure that all our communities work together as part of one Scotland.

"We must hope that this success is not undermined by last weeks decision at Westminster to extend detention without charge. That decision was a backward step, and a blow for civil liberties as well as community relations."

Glasgow SNP MSP, Bashir Ahmad, added:

"Charles Farr is correct in his observations that in Scotland we have great community relations.

"However, regrettably I do not think the recent wave of anti-terror legislation will help in this regard. Unfortunately the Muslim community is already feeling isolated and stigmatised within the UK and the extension of pre-charge detention among other proposals will increase this feeling further."

Further details of Mr Farr’s interview with Holyrood Magazine, can be found at:

http://www.holyrood.com/content/view/2615/10051/