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Getty ImagesScottish Labour has described a Reform UK social media ad that includes Anas Sarwar as “blatantly racist”.
The on-line video posted forward of a by-election in South Lanarkshire options textual content which says: “Anas Sarwar has said he will prioritise the Pakistani community”.
Labour accused Reform of wondering Sarwar’s “identity, loyalty and belonging”.
Reform insisted the ad was once no longer racist and stated it had no plans to take away it.
According to Meta’s ad library, the submit has been working on Facebook and Instagram since 12 May and value Reform between £8,000 and £9,000.
It is estimated to were considered as much as part one million occasions.
The ad contains clips from a 2022 speech given via Sarwar at an match 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 additionally options an excerpt of the Labour chief mentioning that “the days where South Asian communities get to lead political parties and get to lead countries is upon us”.
Neither clip within the ad contains Sarwar mentioning the Pakistani group in Scotland could be “prioritised”.
Sarwar was once born in Glasgow to Pakistani Muslim oldsters.
His father, Chaudhry Sarwar, was the United Kingdom’s first Muslim MP when he was once elected to constitute Glasgow Govan in 1997.
A spokesperson for Sarwar stated: “This is a blatantly racist advert from Reform UK that attempts to question the identity, loyalty and belonging of Anas Sarwar.
“Anas was once born in Scotland and has lived right here all his lifestyles. He is a proud Scot who has labored in our NHS and campaigns to ship for each and every Scot.
“Decent people across Scotland will reject Reform’s divisive politics.”
‘Scummy techniques’
Voters will move to the polls within the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election on 5 June following the demise of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie previous this yr.
The ad has been condemned via different political events throughout Scotland.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats accused Reform of “selective editing” and “scummy tactics”.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens stated: “This is a despicable attempt by Reform to bring blatant racism into the by-election.”
Reform stated the birthday celebration was once merely “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, however apparently now they are additionally seeking to cover from Anas Sarwar’s file – we will feel free in serving to them via highlighting his file at each and every flip.”
The applicants status within 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
