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Security stepped up for G8 summit poverty demos

-27/04/05

Hundreds of security guards are to be drafted in by organisers of the Make Poverty History protest in Ediburgh, in the run-up to the G8 summit .

Scotland is gearing up for up to 200,000 protestors, including many Christians, as the G8 summit draws closer.

Although the Make Poverty History event is expected to be largely peaceful, it is thought that a rogue element may attempt to use the event to cause trouble.

Around 500 stewards will be deployed at the Make Poverty History parade through the heart of the city to try to ensure the event goes off smoothly.

Organisers say specialist training will be provided for hundreds of volunteer stewards.

Fears are mounting that Scotland’s Capital will grind to a standstill in the run-up to G8, with businesses pulling down the shutters rather than running the risk of customers getting caught up in violent clashes.

McDonaldís is already planning to close its city centre branches and Shell is also considering closing Capital filling stations.

Police chiefs have been showing politicians videos of violence flaring at previous summits, including in Genoa, when one protester was killed by police, more than 200 people were injured and there were more than 250 arrests.

Organisers of the Make Poverty History event have insisted there is nothing unusual in bringing in extra security for the event on July 2.

Richard Saville-Smith, the spokesman for the Make Poverty History march, said: “We want to ensure that the event is properly stewarded and thatís why Rock Steady are being brought in.

“Although weíre expecting 100,000 people to take part in the parade, weíre going to have enough stewards on duty for a crowd of double that size, which is based on advice from the police.”

Jill Hubbard, spokeswoman for the anti-capitalist group G8 Alternatives, which is organising a major counter-summit the day after the parade, said: “If their role is to help people know where things are and offer them any help then it sounds like a good idea.” Make Poverty History protest in the run-up to the G8 summit in Ediburgh.