Reform UK Accused Of 'Blatant Racism' Against Scottish Labour Leader In By-Election Ad

Nigel Farage and Anas SarwarReform UK has been accused of launching a “blatantly racist” social media advert featuring the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.In an online campaign video published ahead of the South Lanarkshire by-election next month, the party included text alleging the Scottish Labour leader will “prioritise the Pakistani community”.The video compiles footage of several speeches from Sarwar, born in Glasgow to Pakistani Muslim parents, talking about political representation for South Asian communities – but he does not actually use the word “prioritise” in any of the clips.However, Reform has shared the post on social media, claiming: “Only Reform UK will prioritise the people of Larkhall.”According to The Times, the Scottish Labour leader responded by accusing Reform UK of “dirty tactics”.He said: “It’s a very deliberate dog whistle, which seeks to question my identity, question my loyalty and question my belonging in Scotland.“I’m a proud Scot, I was born here, my kids were born here. Every single day, I fight for a better Scotland, regardless of what anyone’s politics might be. For them to play this kind of campaign, I think demonstrates the kind of people they are.”Sarwar’s spokesperson also described it as a “blatantly racist advert from Reform UK that attempts to question the identity, loyalty and belonging of Anas Sarwar.”Reform UK claims the advert is not racist and will not remove it.A Reform UK Scotland spokesman told HuffPost UK: “Reform UK has advertised Anas Sarwar’s own words, if he doesn’t like them, he shouldn’t use them.“We know Scottish Labour is ashamed of Keir Starmer’s rhetoric, but it appears now they’re also trying to hide from Anas Sarwar’s record – we’ll be happy in helping them by highlighting his record at every turn.”Meta’s advert library reveals the post has been on Facebook and Instagram since May 12, at the cost of up to £9,000 for Reform.It is estimated to have been viewed up to half a million times.It comes shortly before the electorate will vote in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, on June 5.Constituents will choose who to represent them in the Scottish parliament after incumbent SNP MSP Christina McKelvie died in March.The SNP and Scottish Labour were expected to clinch the seat, but Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice has claimed that his insurgent party has a chance of victory.Reform’s advert has been met with fury across the political spectrum.An SNP spokesperson said: “Scotland is a proudly diverse and welcoming country – it is incumbent on all of us to stand up to those who seek to provoke division and marginalise communities across Scotland.”Scottish Liberal Democrats claimed Reform had used “selective editing” and “scummy tactics”, while the Scottish Greens called it a “despicable attempt by Reform to bring blatant racism into the by-election.”Scottish Labour has been contacted for comment.Related...Starmer's Jibe At Farage's PMQs Absence Is So Good, Even Reform UK MPs Were LaughingIs Keir Starmer Waving Goodbye To Millions Of Voters By Chasing Nigel Farage?Nigel Farage Dubbed A 'Part Time Leader' After Missing EU Debate To Go On Holiday

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