Thomas Kerr, the deputy leader of Reform UK in Scotland, has issued a public warning to agitators involved in recent unrest across Glasgow, urging them to exercise caution regarding online misinformation. His comments follow a string of volatile demonstrations in communities such as Cranhill, Castlemilk, and Possilpark. These gatherings, frequently fueled by unverified claims circulating on social media, have led to significant disruption. Kerr’s intervention marks a shift in tone for the party, as he explicitly cautioned participants against targeting individuals at their homes, noting that resorting to intimidation undermines any legitimate political argument they may wish to present.
The disorder in Glasgow has seen several flashpoints, often based on false premises that have caused unnecessary alarm within local populations. In Cranhill and Castlemilk, protesters gathered outside residences based on unsubstantiated online rumors suggesting that criminal suspects were living there. These incidents resulted in arrests and instances of vandalism, with one notable case in which police confirmed an “innocent member of the public” was targeted due to a case of mistaken identity. Similarly, in Possilpark, a false narrative claiming a local care home was being converted to house asylum seekers prompted a demonstration, leading to further police intervention and the arrest of a 23-year-old individual for a disorder offence.
Despite these warnings, Kerr’s position remains complex given his party’s established track record. Reform UK politicians have previously been criticized for employing inflammatory rhetoric, which opponents argue has served to divide communities by labeling outsiders as “strangers.” Critics contend that this type of language creates the very environment in which misinformation thrives. While Kerr distanced himself from the violence, he maintained that the underlying anger felt by many in working-class neighborhoods is a genuine grievance rooted in the perception that the political establishment has neglected these areas when managing the impact of immigration.
During his appearance on BBC Radio Scotland’s The Sunday Show, Kerr attempted to create a clear delineate between what he considers acceptable civic protest and dangerous street-level hostility. He emphasized that while residents have a right to voice their frustrations, “turning up at someone’s door is wrong.” He urged the public to rely on verified information rather than engaging in reflexive, rumor-driven outrage. According to Kerr, the primary danger lies in the loss of moral authority when protest descends into lawlessness, insisting that if people wish to be heard, they must rely on their voices rather than their “fists.”
The broader political context remains highly charged, with First Minister John Swinney leading a fierce critique of the party’s tactics. Swinney has explicitly accused Reform UK of “stirring up hatred” and intentionally fostering social discord to advance their political agenda. During the recent election campaign, the First Minister made it clear that he would refuse to cooperate with Reform on these grounds, alleging that the party’s rhetoric has systematically incited racial hatred. His administration views the recent spate of protests as a direct consequence of the divisive language used by Reform politicians in their pursuit of an aggressive immigration platform.
As Police Scotland continues to manage the fallout from these incidents and maintains a robust presence to ensure public safety, the debate over the role of political rhetoric in public life continues. The force has confirmed that it will remain vigilant, ensuring that planned protest activity does not spill over into criminality. For the time being, the tension in Glasgow persists, with the divide between those asserting their right to express political dissatisfaction and those concerned about the rise of extremist behavior highlighting a profound instability within the current social and political landscape.