A “fundamental review” of parades and processions in Glasgow is to be held following a summer of protests and violent incidents requiring a massive police response.

It is the first step in a process that could lead to Glasgow City Council asking the Scottish Government to change the law on parades.

The council is to set up a group to look into the powers available to the council on parades.

And a moratorium on parades in the meantime has been ruled out following legal advice.

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The City Administration Committee is being asked to approve the membership of a working group to be led by a senior SNP councillor and include members of all four political parties.

After violent protests at an Irish republican march in Govan last month followed by more disturbances at two parades in the city centre this month, pressure has been mounting for greater powers to limit, or prohibit marches.

Police Chief Constable, Iain Livingstone, said the cost of policing parades and counter protests seen in recent weeks was “not sustainable”.

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Susan Aitken council leader said the right to march is not an absolute right and public safety has to be considered.

In a report to councillors, she said: “While the right to process and march is protected under Article 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights in relation to the right of freedom of assembly and of association, this is not an absolute right and proportionate restrictions may be placed on the exercise of these rights by law in the interests of national security or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime.”

Ms Aitken said there would be no moratorium on parades in the meantime but that the council would instead continue to “scrutinise every notification” for a parade.

She also said: “Each procession must be looked at in its own merits, with case law demonstrating that the Council has a duty to remain impartial and neutral.”

A review was already underway to look at the impact parades had on communities but did not involve elected councillors.

Ms Aitken added, in the report: “Given recent events however, it is considered that a more fundamental review of the Policy and the Code of Conduct, including current and potential legislative powers, is required to look at the balancing of the rights of assembly with issues such as disruption to the community, including those living, working and visiting there, disruption to businesses, anti-social behaviour, violence, public and resident safety, and cost.”

A council spokesman said: “A report setting out proposals for a cross-party group, requested at a meeting of the Council on September 12, will go before members on Thursday.

“The paper also confirms that the council has received legal advice that, under current legislation, there is no legal basis on which the council could impose a moratorium on processions.”