PRESS RELEASE – 27 MARCH 2023 – HUMZA YOUSAF WINS SNP LEADERSHIP ELECTION

PRESS RELEASE – 27 MARCH 2023

HUMZA YOUSAF WINS SNP LEADERSHIP ELECTION

Statement by Aamer Anwar, lawyer and friend of Humza Yousaf,

issued following the result

“Today is a moment of celebration for Scotland, that an Asian and Muslim has been elected as leader. For our parents’ generation such an achievement would have been deemed inconceivable, but that should not blind us to the fact that discrimination still exists.

On the issue of race, there is one thing I will say, there is a stark difference between the civic nationalism of Humza Yousaf’s SNP and the British nationalism of Rishi Sunak’s Tories – the former is progressive & welcoming to all communities, whilst the latter is driven by a climate of fear, that closes the door to people like us.

Humza quite rightly knows the honeymoon period will be short. As First Minister, he must channel the urgency that grips this nation and deliver a war against poverty that for the first time in 80 years is likely to leave the next generation worse off than their parents.

It is simply not enough to just speak about progressive politics, this country is facing its worst cost of living crisis, child poverty is at its highest rate, and drug deaths are spiraling as people lose hope.

On a personal level I have known Humza firstly as a friend, then as a lawyer and campaigner. On each and every occasion whether it be the Covid beavered, families who have lost a child in prison or a death in police custody he has always shown compassion and empathy and a desire to deliver justice.

Over the years I have watched Humza threatened & abused because of the colour of his skin & religion but he has not allowed it to define him, it has only strengthened his drive for equality and social justice and those who underestimate will do so to their own political cost.

In the last few days Humza has talked about redistribution of wealth, which is highly significant as it is time we all fought for the dream of a true alternative not just a paler version of Westminster.”

Aamer Anwar

Principal Solicitor & Notary Public