Reform UK have been accused of spreading “completely false” claims about asylum seeker accommodation in Glasgow. Nigel Farage’s right wing party says there are proposals to turn a former care home into digs for refugees, but Labour have said there is “no truth” in it.
The bitter row erupted during a council by-election in the city’s North East ward.
Glasgow council takes in asylum seekers who come to the UK and private firm Mears is in charge of providing temporary accommodation. Rob Maddison, Reform’s candidate, has said on social media he will fight any “proposals” to turn the former Hogganfield Loch Care Home into housing for asylum seekers.
But an email seen by the Record from Mears states that, despite an initial approach about the use of the building, the firm will not be using the site as accommodation. A spokesperson for Glasgow council also said they are “not aware of any such proposals”.
Labour parliamentarians believe anti-immigration Reform UK is using “fear mongering” to divide communities during a crunch by-election.
Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney said: “Reform’s misleading claims are not only factually wrong, but they are also causing unnecessary disruption in the local community. As a result of Reform’s false narrative, properties in the area are seeing decreased interest, with potential buyers hesitant due to the misinformation being spread.
“It’s deeply irresponsible for Reform to stir up these fears without checking the facts. We need to approach sensitive issues, including housing for vulnerable groups, with empathy and understanding, and I will continue to stand up for our community by focusing on the truth, not fear-mongering.
Glasgow North East MP Maureen Burke said: “The claims being spread by Reform about the former Hogganfield Care Home are completely false. Local councillors have already looked into the matter, and the facts speak for themselves – there is no truth to these claims.
“Spreading misinformation like this is deeply irresponsible and only serves to create unnecessary anxiety and division in our community. At a time when we should be focusing on real issues affecting our communities, it is disappointing to see Reform resorting to fear-mongering. We must approach issues of housing and community support with honesty and compassion and I will always stand up for Glasgow North East by ensuring facts take precedence over falsehoods.”
Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected from the Tories to Reform, said there were plans to turn the care home into accommodation for asylum seekers.
He said: “Unlike the mainstream legacy parties, Reform UK is not afraid to talk about the issues local residents are focused on. As such, Rob Maddison is quite right to let local residents know where he stands on an issue of deep importance to local people. Under no circumstances would Rob Maddison or Reform UK let these plans happen – this is not the area for such a facility. The question is: where do SNP and Labour stand?”
The by-election was caused when Labour’s Mary McNab resigned shortly after she was elected to the council late last year. She was set to be blocked from taking her seat after failing to quit her job with the authority. The Local Government Scotland Act gives council employees a working day to hand in their notice following the election.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, clickhere