I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE
MSP who lifted lid on Labour race shame responds to despicable trolls
ANAS Sarwar yesterday revealed racist abuse he has received since outlining proposals to tackle Islamophobia. The Labour MSP tweeted details of an email urging him to move his family back to Pakistan to be among his “own kind”. The despicable message followed Sarwar setting out plans to tackle “everyday racism and Islamophobia” within Scottish Labour and wider society. The email read: “I would suggest you grow up and stop worrying about the colour of your skin and if you’re still not happy about the situation, why don’t you join the SNP or … buy some tickets for you and your family and go back to Pakistan because you’ll probably be happier amongst your own kind.” The abuse came after Sarwar was allegedly subjected to racist comments by a Labour councillor.
He said the Labour group leader at South Lanarkshire Council told him he could not support his bid to lead Scottish Labour during last year’s campaign as “Scotland wouldn’t vote for a brown Muslim Paki”.
Scottish Labour later confirmed councillor Davie McLachlan – who denies the allegation – had been suspended by the party pending an investigation.
Referring to the reaction to his calls to tackle racism, Sarwar said: “While I have been heartened by the volume of supportive messages, sadly there have been more than a few unsavoury ones too.
“These individuals inadvertently prove my point and only act to strengthen my resolve to challenge everyday racism and Islamophobia.
“In case anyone is in any doubt, the Labour Party and Scotland are my home – I’m not going anywhere.”