Glasgow MP rejects Kerr's ‘ghetto’ description of Govanhill

The row erupted after the Reform Scotland Deputy Leader shared a video of a speech in which he criticised multiculturalism and the impact he believes it has had on the southside neighbourhood.

During the speech, Kerr said: "And you want to look where multiculturalism has failed and integration doesn't work.

"Look no further than Govanhill, where we have seen once a great community become a ghetto.

"Govanhill was once the historic heart of Glasgow's Jewish community, however, now its reputation is nothing more than daytime drug dealing, child exploitation, mass illegal migration, and street gangs."

He added: "Residents of Govanhill deserve safer streets, housing, functioning public services and a genuine sense of community.

"They deserve politicians who will listen and when they see rapid change and putting pressures on things but sadly the population change has meant that the community is now represented by an MSP who's more interested in Gaza than on Glasgow."

The final comment was widely interpreted as a reference to Glasgow MSP Holly Bruce.

Following the speech, Glasgow East MP John Grady issued a statement titled Rejecting Division in Glasgow , condemning Kerr's remarks.

He wrote: "I am deeply disappointed at the way Thomas Kerr MSP has described the reputation of Govanhill."

Grady added: "Multiculturalism is one of the many reasons that Glasgow is one of the world's greatest cities."

Reform won't shy away from saying what needs to be said - no matter how uncomfortable it is 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/nWZDKfbd3p

— Thomas Kerr MSP (@ThomasKerrMSP) September 14, 2026

Defending the area, he said: "Govanhill's diversity is a source of strength and beauty.

"In Glasgow we work together, play sports together, socialise together and our children go to school together. I reject any attempts to sow division in our city."

The Labour MP also directly addressed Kerr's comments about Holly Bruce.

He wrote: "I also reject Thomas Kerr's comments about Holly Bruce MSP and the people who voted for Holly Bruce MSP."

Grady acknowledged that Glasgow faces challenges but rejected linking those issues to multiculturalism.

"I recognise that our city has serious challenges, be they with housing, crime and other issues.

"As an MP I work on these challenges every day, and work hard to help people with these issues."

He continued: "I strongly reject any suggestion that these issues are caused by multiculturalism."

The MP also said constituents had raised concerns with him about racism.

He wrote: "Many constituents have spoken to me about the rise in racism in Glasgow.

"They tell me that they fear going about their daily lives. They face racist attacks and abuse. This is unacceptable.

"We must reject division."