US EditionReform accused of 'blatant racism' over Sarwar ad
- Last month, Reform UK circulated a selectively edited video featuring Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, to support their campaign ahead of the June 5th by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse.
- The clip was spread by far-right activists to depict multiculturalism as a threat to 'our Europe' and was later promoted on Facebook and Instagram with spending estimated between £8,000 and £9,000.
- The advert uses excerpts from a 2022 speech featuring Sarwar saying South Asian communities are entering politics but avoids stating he prioritises the Pakistani community, which Reform UK claims the advert reflects.
- Scottish political parties widely condemned the advert as racist, with Sarwar's spokesperson calling it "blatantly racist" and Scottish Greens leader Patrick Harvie labeling it "despicable."
- The controversy highlights tensions ahead of the by-election, where Reform UK hopes to upend the expected Labour-SNP contest, which could reshape Scottish political dynamics if they overtake Labour.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Nigel Farage challenged to debate over 'racist' Anas Sarwar advert - despite Labour by-election candidate ducking hustings
Nigel Farage has been challenged to a head-to-head debate by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar after being accused of putting out a "racist" advert ahead of next Thursday's Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse by-election.Farage, who yesterday accused Sarwar of introducing "sectarianism" into Scottish politics, is hoping to secure a debate against Sir Keir Starmer at a working men's club in the Red Wall.Despite the Prime Minister reportedly wanting …
The Independent
The Independent (US)John Swinney demands Facebook remove ‘racist’ Reform UK advert
Swinney said the advert, which Reform has spent thousands of pounds on is ‘unacceptable’
Reform UK accused of ‘blatant racism’ against Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar in by-election ad
Far-right Reform UK has been accused of launching a “blatantly racist” social media advert featuring the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. In a sign of how desperate Reform UK have become and the kinds of dirty tactics they’re willing to resort to ahead of the South Lanarkshire by-election next month, the party featured the ad on its Facebook page which Sarwar has slammed as a ‘very deliberate dog whistle’ after it claimed that he would ‘prior…
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