Reform accused of 'blatant racism' over Sarwar ad

Scottish Labour has described a Reform UK social media advert featuring Anas Sarwar as "blatantly racist".

The online video posted ahead of a by-election in South Lanarkshire features text which says: "Anas Sarwar has said he will prioritise the Pakistani community".

Labour accused Reform of questioning Sarwar's "identity, loyalty and belonging".

Reform insisted the advert was not racist and said it had no plans to remove it.

According to Meta's advert library, the post has been running on Facebook and Instagram since 12 May and cost Reform between £8,000 and £9,000.

It is estimated to have been viewed up to half a million times.

The advert includes clips from a 2022 speech given by Sarwar at an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's independence.

He says: "Pakistanis need represented in every mainstream political party in Scotland and across the UK".

It also features an excerpt of the Labour leader stating that "the days where South Asian communities get to lead political parties and get to lead countries is upon us".

Neither clip in the advert includes Sarwar stating the Pakistani community in Scotland would be "prioritised".

Sarwar was born in Glasgow to Pakistani Muslim parents.

His father, Chaudhry Sarwar, became the UK's first Muslim MP when he was elected to represent Glasgow Govan in 1997.

A spokesperson for Sarwar said: "This is a blatantly racist advert from Reform UK that attempts to question the identity, loyalty and belonging of Anas Sarwar.

"Anas was born in Scotland and has lived here all his life. He is a proud Scot who has worked in our NHS and campaigns to deliver for every Scot.

"Decent people across Scotland will reject Reform's divisive politics."

Voters will go to the polls in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election on 5 June following the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie earlier this year.

The advert has been condemned by other political parties across Scotland.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats accused Reform of "selective editing" and "scummy tactics".

Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens said: "This is a despicable attempt by Reform to bring blatant racism into the by-election."

Reform said the party was simply "advertising Sarwar's own words".

A spokesperson added: "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."

The candidates standing in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election are:

• Katy Loudon - SNP
• Davy Russell - Labour
• Richard Nelson - Conservative
• Ann McGuinness - Greens
• Aisha Mir - Liberal Democrat
• Ross Lambie - Reform
• Collette Bradley - Scottish Socialist Party
• Andy Brady - Scottish Family Party
• Janice Mackay - UK Independence Party
• Mark Wilkinson - Independent