A social media advert launched by Reform UK featuring the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, has been condemned as “blatantly racist”.
The online video posted by Reform UK in the lead-up to the by-election in South Lanarkshire includes text claiming that Sarwar will “prioritise the Pakistani community”.
It features video footage of Sarwar, who was born in Glasgow to Pakistani Muslim parents, giving speeches in which he talks about the importance of political representation for South Asian communities. He does not use the word “prioritise” in the clips.
The Reform UK advert claims Anas Sarwar will prioritise the Pakistani community
Sarwar accused Reform of “dirty tactics”, adding: “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 on Thursday.
