Nigel Farage has defended a controversial Reform UK advert about Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Both Labour and First Minister John Swinney have described the online video – posted ahead of a Holyrood by-election – as “blatantly racist”.

At a press conference in London, Farage played the video and accused Sarwar of introducing “sectarianism” into Scottish politics.

The Scottish Labour leader described the claims as “absolute nonsense”.

The Reform advert, posted on Facebook and Instagram, features clips of a 2022 speech Sarwar gave, external at an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.

Farage defends Reform advert after racism claims, BBC