North Lanarkshire CouncilThe depute provost of North Lanarkshire Council is facing calls to resign after he labelled kids “feral” during a meeting on Tuesday.
The comments from Bob Burgess drew cross-party condemnation with one councillor labelling them “despicable”.
The Tory politician was speaking during a meeting at the Education, Children and Families Committee to discuss the rights of children and young people within the justice system.
He said during the meeting: “There are people with no jobs at the moment, we’ve got feral children, we’ve got children attacking teachers.
“And we are talking under 18. You’ve got young men carrying knives, you’ve got murders.
“You need to get things done earlier.”
He added that “the youth of today are a nightmare” saying “we must get something done”.
About an hour later, Burgess retracted his comments, saying he should have said the word “wild” instead.
Labour councillor Heather Brannon-McVey said Burgess’s comments were “utterly despicable”.
“I think it’s just awful that some adults don’t recognise that a child, regardless of age, needs nurture and care – not just criminalisation,” she added.
The SNP’s North Lanarkshire group has called on the depute provost to resign over his comments.
Councillor Tracy Carragher, the leader of North Lanarkshire SNP, said: “The depute provost represents the people of North Lanarkshire at a multitude of civic events, including at events showcasing the amazing work of young people throughout the towns and villages of North Lanarkshire.
“It is completely incompatible with the role to hold such derogatory opinions of the young people we represent, and if refuses to resign, the Labour Leader of the council, councillor Jim Logue, should sack him.”
SNP councillor Allan Stubbs added: “For the depute provost to make these comments, quite clearly coming from a deeply held belief and not mis-speak, is outrageous and he cannot be allowed to continue in such an important civic role – he must resign.”
Following the council election in 2022, Labour returned the largest number of councillors at 34 but failed to reach a majority in the 77-seat local authority. The SNP hold 24 councillors while the Tories have five.
Tuesday’s full council meeting can be found here.
North Lanarkshire Conservative councillors said: “Depute Provost Burgess acknowledged his original comments were poorly worded and quickly clarified them.
“He made it clear that he was referring to concerns surrounding a minority of youths whose anti-social behaviour is causing concern among communities across the country.
“Rather than accept his clarification and the valid observations he was making, SNP councillors have instead chosen to typically play political games.”
Burgess has been approached for comment.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
