Reform UK has called for all frontline police officers in Scotland to be armed with Tasers, claiming that "mass illegal migration" is pushing Glasgow to "breaking point and anarchy". The party's Scottish leader Malcolm Offord and Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected from the Tories, outlined the proposal during a campaign event in the city.
Currently, only around 2,000 officers in Police Scotland are equipped with the devices. Reform UK argues that a nationwide rollout would protect both the public and police, citing 7,159 assaults on officers and staff in 2024-25—roughly 20 attacks per day. The party also wants 1,000 additional officers recruited and for police to no longer respond to mental health call-outs, which should be handled by medical professionals.
Lord Offord highlighted the closure of local police stations, including the former Castlemilk station in Glasgow, which is boarded up and for sale. He criticised the SNP government for removing policing from communities and pledged to reopen stations if elected.
However, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate Daniel Khan-O'Malley dismissed the claims of lawlessness, stating that Glasgow is not descending into anarchy and needs investment in high streets, affordable housing, and cost-of-living measures instead. SNP candidate Karen Adam accused Reform of scaremongering, noting that homicides are at a record low and serious assaults have fallen by more than half.
