Reform UK has called for all frontline police officers to be equipped with Tasers, asserting that Scotland's largest city has descended into lawlessness under the Scottish National Party (SNP). The party's candidate and Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected from the Conservatives to Nigel Farage's party, claimed that 'mass illegal migration is pushing Glasgow to breaking point and anarchy.'
Reform UK's Policing Proposals
Speaking alongside Reform UK Scottish leader Malcolm Offord outside the former Castlemilk police station in Glasgow—now boarded up and for sale—Kerr outlined the party's plans. They advocate for issuing Tasers to all frontline officers, noting that currently only about 2,000 officers in Scotland are authorized to use them. The party argues that a nationwide rollout would enhance public and officer safety, citing 7,159 assaults on police officers and staff in 2024-25, equivalent to nearly 20 attacks daily.
Additional Measures
Reform UK also proposes recruiting 1,000 more officers and relieving police from responding to mental health call-outs, which they believe should be handled by medical professionals. Lord Offord criticized the closure of local police stations, stating, 'We have the local police station boarded up, for sale, and it is one of six across Glasgow that have been shut down.' He described this as 'an absolutely crazy idea,' emphasizing the need to keep policing within communities.
Claims of Lawlessness
Councillor Kerr, representing Glasgow Shettleston, asserted: 'Under the SNP we've seen our city become lawless with a rapid rise in rapes and sexual assaults – mass illegal migration is pushing Glasgow to breaking point and anarchy.' He stressed that Reform's plan aims to provide police with necessary tools to tackle crime and prioritize victims.
Lord Offord added: 'Communities across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their homes and on their streets. That means ensuring Police Scotland have the powers, resources and backing they need to act decisively against crime. We will always support firm but fair policing – restoring order where it has broken down and making clear that the rule of law stands for everyone in every part of the country.'
