Reform UK Scottish Leader Defends 'Street Patrol' Group Amid Vigilante Claims
Lord Malcolm Offord, the Scottish leader of Reform UK, has sparked controversy by endorsing a group conducting late-night patrols in Glasgow city centre, which critics have labelled as 'vigilante' activity. The peer defended his involvement during an event where he confirmed his candidacy for the Inverclyde constituency, insisting the group operates with police permission and aims to enhance safety for women and girls.
Patrols and Public Safety Concerns
Lord Offord described joining a 'fact-finding' trip with North2South, a group of 'working-class fathers' who patrol Glasgow between 9pm and 2am. He emphasised that these volunteers are unarmed and wear high-visibility jackets, arguing they are not vigilantes but a 'street patrol' responding to perceived safety issues. Offord stated, 'The issue that they have... is that they found that when they are coming out of the bars and the nightclubs they feel unsafe.' He attributed this to changes in Glasgow's atmosphere over the past five years, citing an increase in men from foreign lands who do not speak English as their first language.
Political Backlash and Criticism
The comments drew swift condemnation from political opponents across Scotland. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton accused Offord of making policy 'on the hoof' that crumbles under scrutiny. Scottish Labour justice spokesman Pauline McNeill criticised Reform UK for backing vigilante groups and spreading lies about police capabilities, while SNP MSP Stuart McMillan urged Offord to let Police Scotland do their job instead of promoting 'dangerous nonsense.' Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene denounced the language as 'toxic and divisive,' expressing confidence that voters would reject such rhetoric.
Police Response and Systemic Issues
When questioned about police trust, Lord Offord pointed to underfunding and overstretching, noting a lack of visible police presence in towns and cities. He claimed groups like North2South are a consequence of a 'wrong system' that incentivises immigration to Scotland. However, a Police Scotland spokesman clarified, 'We do not endorse, condone or encourage any group’s activity,' distancing the force from the patrols. Offord maintained that the group's sole agenda is safety, without any ulterior motives, highlighting their cooperation with authorities.
The debate underscores broader tensions around community safety, immigration, and the role of unofficial groups in policing, as Reform UK seeks to gain traction in Scottish politics ahead of the election.
