‘Islamophobia poisoning politics,’ says Former Scottish PM Humza Yousaf

Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has criticized the rise of Islamophobia in an opinion published by British publication The Guardian.

“As the first Muslim leader in Western democracy, I can attest that Islamophobia is poisoning our politics,” he said.

Yousaf expressed concern over growing racism in British politics, highlighting that “anti-Muslim sentiment has become so widespread that politicians like Suella Braverman don’t even bother to hide it.”

Addressing the rise of the far right, Yousaf noted: “In Germany, a country that knows the dangers of demonizing entire communities, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came in second in the EU elections, improving their 2019 results.” He emphasized the perilous future Europe faces.

Recalling the electoral success of far-right politician Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, Yousaf remarked, “In a world full of Islamophobes, Wilders is their bleached blond poster boy.”

Highlighting the fear among Muslims, Yousaf said: “The far right wants Muslims to leave Europe and ‘go back to their homes,’ but the countries where we were born, live, raise our children, work, pay taxes, and contribute are our only homes.”