Reform MSP tells demonstrators not to 'target people' and be wary of misinformation after Glasgow disorder

Reform UK deputy leader in Scotland, Thomas Kerr | PA

Reform UK’s deputy leader in Scotland has warned against online misinformation fuelling protests in Glasgow.

Thomas Kerr has told people taking part in disorder to “not target people” and warned they “need to be very careful about the information they get online”.

Reform UK deputy leader in Scotland, Thomas Kerr | PA

Disorder has sprung up in Cranhill and Castlemilk this week outside homes where online rumours suggested people accused of criminality were living.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at the first protest while vandalism and a projectile being thrown from the crowd were reported at the second – which police have said was as a result of “mistaken identity”, with an “innocent member of the public” being targeted.

READ MORE: Glasgow protests: Anonymous accounts tapping into fears of communities, say police

A protest was also held in the Possilpark area of the city, which had been sparked by what the council and police called “entirely factually incorrect” online speculation that a local care home was being extended to house asylum seekers.

A 23-year-old man was arrested for a disorder offence on Saturday, police said.

Reform UK politicians, including Mr Kerr, have previously backed people taking to the streets to demonstrate over immigration and have used inflammatory and hostile language including calling people “strangers” in an attempt to divide communities.

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Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s The Sunday Show, Mr Kerr has now warned the public against online misinformation.

He said: “I think people need to be very careful about the information they get online.

“People have to be very careful what they listen to and why is it they’re going to protest.”

Mr Kerr added: “There’s two points here – firstly, turning up at someone’s door is wrong. Do not do that, do not target people.

“As soon as you do that, you lose all argument.

READ MORE: John Swinney accuses Reform UK of inciting racial division in Scotland

“But the second thing that we’re seeing in working class communities, particularly across Glasgow, is an anger towards a political establishment that has used communities as dumping grounds for people who’ve come here illegally – that’s how people feel, that’s how the anger exists.

“I stay in these communities, I see it first-hand myself and what I’ve always said to people is peaceful protest is the way to try and do this.

“Your voice is your power, so go out and use your voice, but do not turn to fists.”

In a statement on Sunday, a Police Scotland spokesman said: “We attended planned protest activity in the Possilpark area of Glasgow on Saturday 11 July 2026.

“We had appropriate resources in place to ensure the safety of those in attendance and mitigate disruption to the wider community.

“A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with a disorder offence and enquiries remain ongoing.

“The crowd later dispersed without further issue.”

First Minister John Swinney | Getty Images

Last month, First Minister John Swinney accused Reform of “stirring up of hatred” by encouraging people to take part in disorder, supposedly over concerns about immigration.

Mr Swinney accused leader of Reform UK in Scotland, Malcolm Offord of “trying to pursue an issue on immigration at the same time as his party is associated with the stirring up of hatred within our society”.

He added: “During the election campaign, I made it abundantly clear I would not cooperate with Reform in this parliament because of the way in which they pursue this issue, which incites racial hatred in our society.”