Scottish Independence: Reports of Disorder Exaggerated By Media, Politicians, Police Say

The Scottish Police Federation released a statement Wednesday slamming reports from British newspapers and politicians that the independence debate in Scotland has or could lead to violence and riots. The police group says supporters on both sides of the Scottish independence debate have acted with restraint and respect leading up to what is arguably one of the most pivotal moments in Scottish history.

Scottish Police Federation chairman Brain Docherty said in a statement that the debate “has been robust but overwhelmingly good-natured,” and warned against rhetoric meant to rile up passions in Scotland. “It was inevitable that the closer we came to the 18th of September passions would increase but that does not justify the exaggerated rhetoric that is being deployed with increased frequency,” Docherty said. “Any neutral observer could be led to believe Scotland is on the verge of societal disintegration yet nothing could be further from the truth.”

That’s in stark contrast to a number of tabloid newspaper headlines and claims from pro-Union politicians. After being heckled at a shopping center in Edinburgh, Labour party leader Ed Miliband said: “We have seen in parts of this campaign an ugly side to it from the 'Yes' campaign."

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, which seeks more autonomy in the European Union, blasted on Twitter Wednesday the "Yes" campaign’s “abhorrent behavior that could lead to rioting."

Docherty did not call out specific politicians or news organizations in his statement. Instead, he addressed those groups in general:

“At this time it is more important than ever that individuals be they politicians, journalists or whoever should carefully consider their words, maintain level heads and act with respect. Respect is not demonstrated by suggesting a minority of mindless idiots are representative of anything,” he said.