Reform UK Ad Sparks Racism Row Before By-Election

A Reform UK social media advertisement targeting Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has been widely condemned by major Scottish parties and described as 'racist' due to its edited use of Sarwar's 2022 speech advocating for greater political representation of the Pakistani community. The advert falsely claims Sarwar said he would 'prioritise the Pakistani community,' prompting both the SNP and Labour to file formal complaints with Meta, demanding its removal for inciting racial resentment. First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour have publicly denounced the video, while Reform UK and its candidate maintain it fairly uses Sarwar's words and deny any racism. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, escalated the dispute by accusing Sarwar of bringing sectarianism into Scottish politics, leading Sarwar to challenge Farage to a public debate and call him a 'poisonous man.' The controversy has intensified political tensions ahead of an important by-election. The incident underscores broader issues of race and representation in Scottish politics.