Reform deputy leader warns about online misinformation after protests in Glasgow

Reform UK Scotland’s deputy leader has urged the public to “be very careful” about online information which has led to protests in Glasgow.

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.

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.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Sunday, Reform’s deputy leader in Scotland Thomas Kerr warned against online misinformation.

“I think people need to be very careful about the information they get online,” he said.

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

He 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.

“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.”