Reform accused of 'blatant racism' in Sarwar attack ad

Reform UK has been accused of “blatant racism” in a by-election attack ad against Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Labour accused the party of questioning Sarwar’s “identity, loyalty and belonging”.

The ad, which started running on social media on May 12, claims that Sarwar will “prioritise the Pakistani community”.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Sarwar accused Reform of “dirty tactics”.

“I have seen it, and it’s a very deliberate dog whistle, which seeks to question my identity, question my loyalty and question my belonging in Scotland,” he said.

“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.”

Reform said it had no plans to remove the ad.

“Reform UK has advertised Anas Sarwar’s own words, if he doesn’t like them, he shouldn’t use them,” a spokesman said.

“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 clip shows Sarwar delivering a speech in 2022, where he urged more people from Pakistani and South Asian backgrounds to get involved in politics.

In the video, Sarwar said: “Pakistan needs to be represented in every mainstream political party in Scotland and across the UK.”

The clip is edited and Sarwar continues: “The days where the South Asian community gets to lead political parties and gets to lead countries is now upon us.”

As ominous music plays, a message from Reform appears on screen.

“Only Reform UK will prioritise the people of Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse,” the message states

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

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

A spokesperson for the SNP 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.”