Reform UK has called for all frontline police officers in Glasgow to be armed with Tasers, claiming the city has become lawless under SNP rule. The party's Scottish leader Malcolm Offord and Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected from the Tories, said only around 2,000 officers in Scotland currently have access to the devices.
Speaking outside the boarded-up former Castlemilk police station, Lord Offord said six stations across Glasgow have been closed, which he described as 'an absolutely crazy idea'. Reform UK also wants to recruit 1,000 additional officers and end police involvement in mental health call-outs, which they argue should be handled by medical professionals.
The party cited 7,159 assaults on police officers and staff in 2024-25, the equivalent of almost 20 attacks a day, as justification for the Taser rollout. Kerr claimed 'mass illegal migration' is pushing Glasgow to 'breaking point and anarchy', with a rapid rise in rapes and sexual assaults.
However, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate Daniel Khan-O'Malley dismissed the claims, saying the idea of Glasgow descending into lawlessness will surprise those enjoying the sunshine. SNP candidate Karen Adam accused Reform of scaremongering, noting homicides are at a record low and violence such as serious assault is down by more than half.
