Glasgow MP seeks Burnham's help over city centre crime

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 17:33 · Archive

The Glasgow Labour MP Maureen Burke has asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham for support tackling violence, drug dealing and exploitation in the city centre.

Glasgow Labour MP Maureen Burke raised concerns about violence, open drug dealing and child exploitation in Glasgow city centre at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, asking Andy Burnham for help. She cited a recent BBC Disclosure documentary that highlighted criminality around Central station and St Enoch Square, and noted that 1,200 sexual offences had been recorded in Glasgow city centre in the year to March 2026.

Burke blamed underfunding by the Scottish National Party Government for crippling local public services and said Glasgow City Council's response had fallen short. She also warned that Reform UK was exploiting public safety fears to stoke racial division. Burke called for an honest discussion about the city's pressures, including addiction, deprivation, immigration and community cohesion.

Burnham responded that policing is a devolved matter but said he is very open to working with the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council to address the issues raised. He noted he has experience of such matters from his previous role.

How it is being reported

• Glasgow MP calls for Andy Burnham's help over city centre 'violence, drug dealing and exploitation'"We must have an honest discussion about the city's pressures, including addiction, deprivation, immigration, and community cohesion."Glasgow Live · 14 Oct, 16:58
• Andy Burnham offers to get involved in Glasgow city centre over safetyAndy Burnham said he is willing to get involved in efforts to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour in Glasgow city centre.Glasgow Times · 14 Oct, 14:55

In this story: Andy Burnham · Maureen Burke · Glasgow · Police Scotland · Glasgow City Council · Reform UK

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem