Reform UK wants all frontline police officers to be armed with Tasers at it claimed “mass illegal migration” is pushing Scotland’s largest city to “breaking point and anarchy”.
Thomas Kerr, a Glasgow councillor who defected from the Tories to Nigel Farage’s party and is now running for Holyrood, claimed the city has “become lawless with a rapid rise in rapes and sexual assaults”.
He was speaking as he campaigned in Glasgow with Reform UK Scottish leader Malcolm Offord, with the two men setting out the party’s plans for policing.
They want to see all frontline officers issued with Tasers, saying only around 2,000 officers in Scotland can currently use the devices.
Across Scotland local police stations are closing yet crime continues to surge.
— Cllr Thomas Kerr (@CllrTKerr) April 30, 2026
We're lawless under this rotten SNP Government - who continues to prioritise strangers over you.
Both Votes ➡️ Reform pic.twitter.com/QqOE63ZDQZ
They said a nationwide rollout of Tasers in Police Scotland would protect the public and police – saying there were 7,159 assaults on police officers and staff in 2024-25 – the equivalent of almost 20 attacks a day.
Reform also wants to see 1,000 more officers recruited, and says police should no longer have to respond to call-outs for mental health issues – with these dealt with by medical professionals.
Speaking outside the former Castlemilk police station in Glasgow – which is boarded up and up for sale – Lord Offord told the Press Association: “We have the local police station boarded up, for sale, and it is one of six across Glasgow that have been shut down.”
He said this was “an absolutely crazy idea”, adding: “Why would you take policing out of local communities?
“We want to get these places reopened again, we want to recruit another 1,000 police.
“We want to give them Tasers because there is real public disorder out there and the police themselves are feeling insecure, so we want to give them Tasers to help them with that.
“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.”
Glasgow Shettleston councillor Mr Kerr claimed: “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.
“That’s why Reform is announcing our plan to give the police the tools they need to tackle crime and put victims first.”
However Scottish Liberal Democrat lead candidate for Glasgow Daniel Khan-O’Malley said: “The idea that Glasgow is descending into lawlessness and anarchy will come as something of a surprise to those out enjoying the sunshine today.
“The city needs some care and attention after years of being taken for granted by the SNP but what that means is investment in tidying up our high streets, in affordable housing and in measures to tackle the cost of living.
“That’s what Glasgow needs, not more heavily armed police.”
Karen Adam, the SNP candidate for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, said: “While it may suit Reform’s toxic agenda to scaremonger and spread fear, the facts speak for themselves – Scotland continues to be a safe place to live, with homicides at a record low and violence such as serious assault and attempted murder down by more than a half.
“Of course, there are still challenges facing our justice system which is why a re-elected SNP government will invest a record £4.6 billion in 2026-27, and why we continue to have more police officers per head than elsewhere in the UK.
“The best way to ensure we keep Reform out of power is by electing a majority SNP government – to lock out Nigel Farage and deliver the fresh start of independence.”
