Farage Accused of Racism Amid Hamilton By-Election Row

Nigel Farage has sparked significant controversy during the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Scottish Parliament by-election campaign by falsely claiming Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the South Asian community "are going to take over the world," a statement Sarwar never made. Farage's misleading claims, featured in a Reform UK ad, were widely criticized as racist and sectarian, with both Sarwar and others demanding apologies. Scottish First Minister John Swinney condemned Farage's rhetoric, branding him a racist and a "real threat" to the community, emphasizing the contrast with the late MSP Christina McKelvie's legacy of tolerance and inclusion. Swinney also positioned Reform UK as a rising political force in Scotland, urging voters to support the SNP to prevent Reform UK from gaining ground. Despite calls for respect and accurate discourse, Farage doubled down on his remarks, dismissing criticism and insisting his campaign was resonating with disillusioned voters from across political backgrounds. The by-election campaign has thus become marked by heightened tensions and accusations of racism, reflecting broader political and racial divisions in the region.