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Reform UK accused of ‘blatant racism’ against Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar

24 May 202519 views0

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader John Swinney has urged Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to take action regarding a Reform UK campaign video that has been described by critics as racially divisive. The advert, which targets Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, is currently the subject of formal complaints from both the SNP and Scottish Labour.

The video, shared on Facebook, includes a clip of Sarwar speaking at an event in 2022 marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. In the video, Sarwar states: “Pakistanis need represented in every mainstream political party in Scotland and across the UK.” However, the advert includes overlaid text claiming: “Anas Sarwar has said he will prioritise the Pakistani community” – a statement not made in the footage shown.

A spokesperson for Sarwar described the Reform UK advert as “blatantly racist”, arguing that it aimed to question Sarwar’s “identity, loyalty and belonging”. The spokesperson added: “Anas was born in Scotland and has lived here all his life. He is a proud Scot who has worked in our NHS and campaigns to deliver for every Scot. Decent people across Scotland will reject Reform’s divisive politics.”

Reform UK councillor Thomas Kerr defended the advert, stating: “John Swinney and Anas Sarwar are desperately trying to deflect attention away from the facts. This advert uses Mr Sarwar’s own words – if he doesn’t like them, he shouldn’t use them.”

He went on to say: “The SNP and Labour have both broken Scotland, it’s no surprise they’re now forming some sort of pathetic and panicky anti-Reform coalition. The more Reform grows the more desperate their lies and smears will get, but we’re ready for it. Unlike them, we aren’t fighting for our careers – we’re fighting for our country.”

Update:

On Monday 27th May, the Daily Record revealed that SNP chief executive Carol Beattie had also written to the company, describing the video as one that “appears designed to provoke division, stir racial resentment and marginalise Pakistani residents in Scotland”.

In a statement on Monday, Swinney said: “We’ve got to address racism wherever it happens, which is why the SNP has complained to Meta about an advert attacking the Labour Party. Issues about racism are above party politics.” He added that while Sarwar is a political opponent, “he shouldn’t be subjected to that kind of racist attack” and emphasised the need for cross-party unity against what he described as divisive tactics.

Swinney also indicated that he and SNP candidate Katy Loudon would challenge the advert if it came up during campaign interactions with voters.

The SNP leader recently hosted a cross-party meeting in Glasgow with representatives from religious and third-sector groups to discuss the protection of democratic values and the growing influence of far-right narratives in Scotland. He said misinformation was a key concern raised at the summit, warning that “disinformation” was undermining public debate and informed decision-making.

The story remains largely unreported in right-leaning media.