Full Breakdown
Douglas Alexander Says Glasgow Is “Miles Behind” and Calls for a Manchester-Style Regeneration
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Scottish Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander warned that Glasgow is “miles behind” rather than “miles better,” citing major fires, high drug-related deaths, unemployment double that of Edinburgh, and a productivity ranking of 32nd among UK cities despite being the fourth-largest by population. He urged the Scottish Government, UK Government, and local leaders to cooperate on a regeneration programme modeled on Manchester’s recent revival.
Background & Context
Glasgow’s recent challenges have been highlighted in the BBC Scotland documentary *Welcome to Glasgow*, which portrayed a city struggling with repeated fires—including the Union Street blaze and the Glasgow School of Art fire—and deteriorating streetscapes such as Sauchiehall Street. Alexander, who was born in Glasgow and lived on Clyde Street, framed these issues as symptoms of broader economic decline across the west of Scotland.
Data & Statistics
- Economic productivity: Glasgow ranks 32nd in the United Kingdom, trailing cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.
- Unemployment: The city’s unemployment rate is more than twice that of Edinburgh.
- Planning delays: An average planning application in Glasgow takes 58 weeks, compared with 18 weeks in Manchester.
- North Sea potential: Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) estimates that over 100 projects and £50 billion of new investment could be unlocked with government support.
Official Statements & Responses
Alexander called on First Minister John Swinney and Glasgow council leaders to rebuild the iconic Mackintosh Building and large sections of Union Street.
He argued that faster planning processes, stronger bus regulation, and targeted homelessness initiatives—measures credited to Manchester—should be adopted in Glasgow. Alexander also emphasized a pragmatic stance on the North Sea oil and gas sector, insisting that continued production should benefit Scottish businesses, workers and public services, delivering jobs, tax revenue and energy security.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm very passionate about Glasgow, it is the city of my birth, I spent years living in a flat on Clyde Street and so I am deeply concerned and deeply troubled by its condition today.” — The East Lothian MP
- “He added: "Across Scotland our economy's not growing fast enough and is broadly tilting from west to east.” — Scotland. He
What’s Next
Government ministers are expected to give the green light to drilling in the controversial Rosebank and Jackdaw fields within weeks, a step Alexander says will bolster jobs and tax revenues. He pledged to keep his “door open” for representations from the Glasgow School of Art regarding its rebuilding, and to continue discussions with First Minister John Swinney on a comprehensive regeneration package for the city.