POLICE monitoring campaigners have called for an urgent independent inquiry into the actions of officers during November’s UN climate summit in Glasgow.

A report, published today by the Network for Police Monitoring (Netpol) and the Article 11 Trust, highlighted concerns about numerous human rights breaches, including kettling, excessive force, racial discrimination, intrusive surveillance and intimidation.

The research includes submissions from Extinction Rebellion, Not One Rogue Cop, the Cop26 Coalition and the Scottish Community and Activist Legal Project, and found evidence of harassment of locals, protesters and independent legal observers.

However the narrative shared by the police did not line up with the evidence gathered from activists and community representatives. 

Article 11 Trust researcher, Rachel Currie, author of the report, said: “We found significant discrepancies between the evidence we received and the version of events told by Police Scotland, both in the media, and, notably, to professional oversight bodies such as the Scottish Police Authority.”

Incidents of aggressive policing include categorical denials of overnight raids on a peaceful occupation, with subsequent security footage, published by the Morning Star, showing attempts to force entry.

The report concluded that the police operation hindered and discouraged people from exercising their human rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression.

Representatives from Netpol have said an independent inquiry should now take place. 

Campaign spokeswoman Kat Hobbs told the Star: “The report tells a shocking story — one of intimidation, harassment and police violence which left Glasgow immersed in two weeks of chaos. 

“Police Scotland then lied to the public, to campaigners and to the Scottish Police Authority about their actions. 

“We conclude therefore, that Police Scotland not only failed to protect human rights during their policing of Cop26, but in many cases actively hindered or violated human rights. 

“We’re calling for an urgent independent inquiry into Operation Urram, Police Scotland’s false and misleading public statements, and an immediate review of the use of Section 20 in relation to protest policing as a ‘blanket’ stop and search, arrest and containment power.”

A police spokeswoman pointed the Star towards a review during November’s Scottish Police Authority meeting, where it was claimed those who wanted to cause major disruption were proportionately dealt with and the majority of activists were able to make their voices heard.