Former First Minister Humza Yousaf faces a probe regarding a Scottish government donation that he requested go to the UN aid agency UNRWA while his in-laws were trapped in the Gaza Strip.

Scotland's Humza Yousaf faces probe for donation to Gaza

The Scottish government survived a vote of no confidence on Wednesday, giving the Scottish National Party (SNP) a chance to pick a new leader to replace outgoing First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Yousaf's decision to step down as first minister and SNP leader on Monday has thrown the party into chaos and boosted hopes in Britain's opposition Labour Party that it can regain Scottish seats to win a national election later this year.

Polls show that Labour is ahead of or level with the SNP in&nbsp;Scotland&nbsp;for the first time in a decade.

Yousaf said he would resign after he ended a coalition with the Green Party. It means the SNP are seeking a third leader in little over a year, undermining what had once seemed like its iron grip on power in the devolved Scottish government.

While the Greens made Yousaf's position untenable by withdrawing their confidence in him personally, they voted with the SNP against Wednesday's vote of no confidence in the Scottish government.

The no confidence motion was defeated by 70 votes to 58.

Defeat for the government would have led to the resignation of all ministers and most likely triggered a Scottish election.

With that outcome averted, Yousaf will remain in office until the SNP chooses a new leader. Former SNP party leader John Swinney and Yousaf's old leadership rival Kate Forbes have both said they are considering running.

Yousaf took over the party in March last year, after the resignation of long-time leader Nicola Sturgeon, who faced splits in the party over the best route to independence for&nbsp;Scotland&nbsp;and proposed transgender recognition legislation.

Police have also probed the SNP's finances, and Sturgeon's husband has been charged with embezzling funds from the SNP. She has been arrested and questioned but not charged. Both deny wrongdoing.

The Scottish government survived a vote of no confidence on Wednesday, giving the Scottish National Party (SNP) a chance to pick a new leader to replace outgoing First Minister Humza Yousaf.

The Scottish government survived a vote of no confidence on Wednesday, giving the Scottish National Party (SNP) a chance to pick a new leader to replace outgoing First Minister Humza Yousaf. Yousaf's decision to step down as first minister and SNP leader on Monday has thrown the party into chaos and boosted hopes in Britain's opposition Labour Party that it can regain Scottish seats to win a national election later this year. Polls show that Labour is ahead of or level with the SNP in Scotland for the first time in a decade. Yousaf said he would resign after he ended a coalition with the Green Party. It means the SNP are seeking a third leader in little over a year, undermining what had once seemed like its iron grip on power in the devolved Scottish government. While the Greens made Yousaf's position untenable by withdrawing their confidence in him personally, they voted with the SNP against Wednesday's vote of no confidence in the Scottish government. The no confidence motion was defeated by 70 votes to 58. Defeat for the government would have led to the resignation of all ministers and most likely triggered a Scottish election. With that outcome averted, Yousaf will remain in office until the SNP chooses a new leader. Former SNP party leader John Swinney and Yousaf's old leadership rival Kate Forbes have both said they are considering running. Yousaf took over the party in March last year, after the resignation of long-time leader Nicola Sturgeon, who faced splits in the party over the best route to independence for Scotland and proposed transgender recognition legislation. Police have also probed the SNP's finances, and Sturgeon's husband has been charged with embezzling funds from the SNP. She has been arrested and questioned but not charged. Both deny wrongdoing.

Scottish government survives no-confidence vote after leader Humza Yousaf's resignation

Scotland's leader Humza Yousaf resigned on Monday, further opening the door to the UK opposition Labour Party regaining ground in its former Scottish heartlands in a national election expected to be held later this year.

Humza Yousaf quits as Scotland's first minister in boost to Labour’s chances in UK vote

Humza Yousaf has resigned as Scotland's first minister after cutting ties with his government's power-sharing partners. Yousaf’s decision comes as he faces likely defeat in two forthcoming confidence votes brought by opposition parties. Watch in for more details!

Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland’s first minister

Humza Yousaf on Monday (Apr 29) resigned as Scotland's first minister rather than facing two confidence votes. The 39-year-old politician also said he would stand down as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) but would stay on until his successor was found.

Humza Yousaf on Monday (Apr 29) resigned as Scotland's first minister rather than facing two confidence votes. The 39-year-old politician also said he would stand down as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) but would stay on until his successor was found. Yousaf, the first Muslim leader of a major UK political party, previously held health and justice ministerial briefs in the Scottish Government. He succeeded former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon as first minister in March 2023. Also read: Australian PM Albanese calls domestic violence a 'crisis' amid protests Yousaf said in a statement that he thought winning was "absolutely possible", however, he added that he was "not willing to trade in my values or principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power". He added: "I have concluded that repairing our relationships across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm." After his announcement, the parliament now has 28 days to choose a new first minister. Also read: British Foreign Secretary David Cameron criticised for hiring luxury jet for Central Asia tour: Report Watch: UK to launch shock Rwanda operation to detain asylum seekers × This came after Thursday's collapse of the Bute House Agreement, which was Yousaf's power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. Yousaf's government had earlier abandoned ambitious targets for the transition to net-zero carbon emissions, which had angered the Greens. The Greens slammed Yousaf and accused him of "selling out future generations" over climate. Soon after, the opposition Scottish Conservatives lodged a vote of no-confidence in Yousaf. Scottish Labour has lodged another no-confidence vote in his government. The Tories, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens had all said they would vote against him in the personal vote. After the resignation, the leadership crisis in the party deepened with a notable fall in SNP's popular support after 17 years of heading the Scottish Government. Polling firm YouGov said earlier this month that for the first time in a decade, the Labour Party had overtaken the SNP in voting intentions for a Westminster election. Labour's win in Scotland in Britain's next national election would significantly bolster the party's chances of taking power from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. (With inputs from agencies)

Scotland's Humza Yousaf resigns as first minister: 'Not willing to trade in my values'

Humza Yousaf faces a vote of no-confidence next week with the Scottish Greens planning to vote against him. Watch to know more

Can Humza Yousaf survive Scotland's First Minister?

Scottish leader Humza Yousaf  faces battle for survival

First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf has dismissed "ludicrous" and "completely untrue" allegations of a conflict of interest in his decision to donate £250,000 to a Gaza charity agency. Watch to know more!

Spotlight on Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf: Analyzing allegations of Conflict of Interest

Scottish First Minister accused of conflict of interest, funded UNRWA when family was stuck in Gaza

Humza Yousaf has dismissed "ludicrous" and "completely untrue" allegations of a conflict of interest in his decision to donate £250,000 to a Gaza charity agency.

First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf accused of conflict of interest

Scotland National Party's leader Hamza Yousaf has signaled has signaled a change in his strategy. Well, the SNP decides that if it wins a majority of Scotland's Westminster sets in the next elections.

Scotland: Humza Yousaf sets out SNP election plan; Independence plan dominates SNP conference

Parents-in-law of Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf have been trapped in Gaza since Hamas launched a surprising attack on Israel.

Wife of Yousaf Nadia El-Nakla, who is a Palestinian, told BBC on Wednesday (Oct 11) that her parents are "terrified" about what might happen next, adding that some relatives have had their homes destroyed in missile strikes.

Elizabeth El-Nakla and Maged El-Nakla travelled to Gaza last week before Hamas launched an all-front attack, killing hundreds of civilians in Israel.

The couple are now trapped in the besieged region along with Maged’s sick 93-year-old mother, their son, his wife and their four grandchildren — including a two-month-old baby.

<h2>No electricity, no water</h2>

In a video clip shared with the the BBC, Elizabeth narrated how their family is finding it hard to survive in the besieged Gaza, which is facing a barrage of Israeli missile strikes.

&nbsp;“I am currently in Deir al-Balah with my husband’s family, my family, my grandchildren,” Elizabeth said in a tearful video.

&nbsp;“We have no electricity. We have no water. The food we do have, which is little, will not last because there is no electricity and it will spoil.”

“I have four grandchildren in this home: a two-month-old baby, a four-year-old and, today, two nine-year-old twins. [It’s] their birthday. I ask the world to help the Palestinians.”

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/BBCJamesCook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCJamesCook</a> has been speaking to <a href="https://twitter.com/HumzaYousaf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HumzaYousaf</a>’s wife Nadia El-Nakla about her growing fears for her family trapped in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> — and to her mother Elizabeth and her brother Mohammed, who’s been treating the injured. 
 
More <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/GBjVEdEgl3">https://t.co/GBjVEdEgl3</a> <a href="https://t.co/9VUGxDTVdv">pic.twitter.com/9VUGxDTVdv</a>
— Natalie Higgins (@nataliesophia) <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliesophia/status/1712214429243220371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Daughter worried&nbsp;sick&nbsp;</h2>

Nadia El-Nakla told BBC that they are worried about her family and felt as though “every part of [her] body is shaking”.

Nakla said that she has not been in regular touch with her parents as they have been saving their phone batteries due to the lack of power.

&nbsp;“Every few hours I’m seeing things, and I’m calling my parents,” she added.

“But now we are talking about having to preserve their battery on their phone. We cannot keep talking to them because there’s no electricity.

“We’ve taken numbers of neighbours, they’ve written down all of our numbers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-let-us-down-donald-trump-blasts-israeli-pm-amidst-war-with-hamas-645712">‘Netanyahu let us down,’ Donald Trump blasts Israeli PM amidst war with Hamas</a>

“If I can’t get in touch with them, can I contact a neighbour to find out if they’re still alive?

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-studies-israel-hamas-war-to-learn-lessons-avoid-similar-conflict-with-china-645683">Taiwan studies Israel-Hamas war to learn lessons, avoid similar conflict with China</a>

On Tuesday, Yousaf called for the creation of a humanitarian corridor in and out of locked-down Gaza.

At least 1,055 Palestinians have been killed and thousands wounded due to Israel’s retaliation to the Hamas attack, which has claimed the lives of at least 1,200 Israelis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Parents-in-law of Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf have been trapped in Gaza since Hamas launched a surprising attack on Israel. Wife of Yousaf Nadia El-Nakla, who is a Palestinian, told BBC on Wednesday (Oct 11) that her parents are "terrified" about what might happen next, adding that some relatives have had their homes destroyed in missile strikes.

Parents-in-law of Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf have been trapped in Gaza since Hamas launched a surprising attack on Israel. Wife of Yousaf Nadia El-Nakla, who is a Palestinian, told BBC on Wednesday (Oct 11) that her parents are "terrified" about what might happen next, adding that some relatives have had their homes destroyed in missile strikes. Elizabeth El-Nakla and Maged El-Nakla travelled to Gaza last week before Hamas launched an all-front attack, killing hundreds of civilians in Israel. The couple are now trapped in the besieged region along with Maged’s sick 93-year-old mother, their son, his wife and their four grandchildren — including a two-month-old baby. No electricity, no water In a video clip shared with the the BBC, Elizabeth narrated how their family is finding it hard to survive in the besieged Gaza, which is facing a barrage of Israeli missile strikes. “I am currently in Deir al-Balah with my husband’s family, my family, my grandchildren,” Elizabeth said in a tearful video. “We have no electricity. We have no water. The food we do have, which is little, will not last because there is no electricity and it will spoil.” “I have four grandchildren in this home: a two-month-old baby, a four-year-old and, today, two nine-year-old twins. [It’s] their birthday. I ask the world to help the Palestinians.” .@BBCJamesCook has been speaking to @HumzaYousaf’s wife Nadia El-Nakla about her growing fears for her family trapped in #Gaza — and to her mother Elizabeth and her brother Mohammed, who’s been treating the injured. More @BBCNews https://t.co/GBjVEdEgl3 pic.twitter.com/9VUGxDTVdv — Natalie Higgins (@nataliesophia) October 11, 2023 × Daughter worried sick Nadia El-Nakla told BBC that they are worried about her family and felt as though “every part of [her] body is shaking”. Nakla said that she has not been in regular touch with her parents as they have been saving their phone batteries due to the lack of power. “Every few hours I’m seeing things, and I’m calling my parents,” she added. “But now we are talking about having to preserve their battery on their phone. We cannot keep talking to them because there’s no electricity. “We’ve taken numbers of neighbours, they’ve written down all of our numbers. Also read | ‘Netanyahu let us down,’ Donald Trump blasts Israeli PM amidst war with Hamas “If I can’t get in touch with them, can I contact a neighbour to find out if they’re still alive? Also read | Taiwan studies Israel-Hamas war to learn lessons, avoid similar conflict with China On Tuesday, Yousaf called for the creation of a humanitarian corridor in and out of locked-down Gaza. At least 1,055 Palestinians have been killed and thousands wounded due to Israel’s retaliation to the Hamas attack, which has claimed the lives of at least 1,200 Israelis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf’s in-laws stuck in besieged Gaza as Israel amps up attack

Scotland Prime Minister Humza Yousaf in-laws are trapped in Gaza, Yousaf himself confirmed the news and now his mother-in-law has pleaded the international community to help the Palestinians.

Israel-Palestine war: Scotland PM Humza Yousaf's family stuck in Gaza, pleads for international aid

History is strange. Politics is stranger. What is right today may not be tomorrow. The peculiar thing in both history and politics is that few people pause to notice the ironies and strange twists in both.&nbsp;

As news emerged this week of the Scottish National Party electing Humza Yousaf as its leader, I was quick to note that the Urdu-speaking Yousaf, son of Pakistani immigrants, now heads the party that advocates an independent Scotland, free from the United Kingdom. That, I noted, is the perfect foil for Indian-origin Hindu Rishi Sunak, the British prime minister.&nbsp;

"Partition Karma haunts Britain, oceans away from the subcontinent," I said in a tweet. Except that what Indians call the Partition of India, the British refer to as the "formation" of Pakistan and India in 1947.&nbsp;

The UK and India have no doubt intertwined histories, but there are so many nuances lost in a simplistic reading of history that we often mistake the cause for effect.&nbsp;

When the Indian subcontinent was ruled by the British, nationalism as an idea itself was of European origin. That is probably why the British found it difficult to imagine the idea of a sprawling "India that is Bharat" with its roots in ancient civilisation being a nation-state in a modern sense despite vast differences in ecologies, cultures, religion and language. So they left the place in a political mess leaving the former natives to sort themselves out.&nbsp;

But here's an interesting twist: The East India Company that gave way to British government rule was essentially a plundering imperialist extension of a monarchy but caused events that transported contemporary European ideas of a multi-party democracy thanks to extensive interactions between British and Indian people and institutions that the British set up to govern India. India ushered in democracy under the Nehru-Gandhi family's elected rule but the family's own leadership style was often imperious. Britain is and was officially a monarchy but its political culture is decidedly liberal democratic.&nbsp;

Thus, Scottish folks like Yousaf are not called separatists the way Kashmiri hardliners are referred to in India.&nbsp;

One is also tempted to ask: Was Brexit an act of separatism of the UK from the European Union? Bharat is now officially called the Union of India but any political dissent of the Scottish kind would be viewed in India as something akin to sedition or treason, punishable by law.&nbsp;

We have the irony of modern India retaining colonial/imperial ideas within a robust democratic republic but the UK is not exactly cracking down on Scots who may want to separate from the UK.&nbsp;

What stands out for me, however, is the astonishing manner in which substantial parts of Europe and the US are welcoming South Asian-origin leaders into the higher echelons of national politics.&nbsp;

Leo Varadkar (Ireland), Antonio Costa (Portugal), and Rishi Sunak (UK) have gone on to become elected prime ministers of at least partially Indian descent. Kamala Harris, whose mother went to the same Delhi school as I did, is the US vice-president. Vivek Ramaswamy, of southern Indian origin, is now being promoted as a Republican candidate for the American presidency.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Humza Yousaf becomes first Minority Ethnic Leader of the Scottish National Party&nbsp;

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Democratic meritocracy apart ( As in "May The Best Candidate Win"), I also note that outsiders sometimes put in that extra effort to win respect in their adopted homelands. You may call it the Outlier Effect after Malcolm Gladwell's book (Outliers) that talks of how outsiders may have hidden advantages and cultural traits that encourage them to learn, work, and understand the world in a way that sets them apart for success in a culture. Here's where the South Asian footprint may be helping leaders of subcontinental descent in Europe or the US.&nbsp;

What we need to emphasise is that outliers as individuals making it big in a democracy should not be confused with colonial rulers using crafty conspiracies, biased laws and brute force to win power.&nbsp;

Hindu right-wing thinker Rajiv Malhotra refers to the British East India Company as "perhaps the first large-scale outsourcing company" under which many Indian princely states left governance in the hands of foreigners --- much like Fortune 500 companies of the US leaving technology management to Indian software service companies.&nbsp;

The British Raj was about the exercise of strongman authority and military power on the Indian people they called natives. Indian -origin PMs in Europe are those led into their hot seats in a wave of popular votes by fellow citizens.&nbsp;

Outlier individuals are not outsourcing experts. Democrats are not imperialists. But yesterday's imperialist countries are now advocating democracy all over.&nbsp;

Perhaps we need to ponder why Pakistan suffered under military rule and India struggled with democratic dynasties long after the British left the shores.&nbsp;

Is this because the British patronised monarchs in India or were patronised by them while they went the democratic way in their home country?&nbsp;

Is it possible that American multiculturalism has influenced Europe the way British citizens helped India evolve into a modern democracy?&nbsp;

No easy answers there. But I do know that Humza Yousaf cannot be a devout alcohol-banning Muslim in the land of Scotch. Just as Rishi Sunak, a devout Hindu, cannot ban beef in the UK. Adapting to a new culture, and ruling over another are two different things.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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History is strange. Politics is stranger. What is right today may not be tomorrow. The peculiar thing in both history and politics is that few people pause to notice the ironies and strange twists in both.

History is strange. Politics is stranger. What is right today may not be tomorrow. The peculiar thing in both history and politics is that few people pause to notice the ironies and strange twists in both. As news emerged this week of the Scottish National Party electing Humza Yousaf as its leader, I was quick to note that the Urdu-speaking Yousaf, son of Pakistani immigrants, now heads the party that advocates an independent Scotland, free from the United Kingdom. That, I noted, is the perfect foil for Indian-origin Hindu Rishi Sunak, the British prime minister. "Partition Karma haunts Britain, oceans away from the subcontinent," I said in a tweet. Except that what Indians call the Partition of India, the British refer to as the "formation" of Pakistan and India in 1947. The UK and India have no doubt intertwined histories, but there are so many nuances lost in a simplistic reading of history that we often mistake the cause for effect. When the Indian subcontinent was ruled by the British, nationalism as an idea itself was of European origin. That is probably why the British found it difficult to imagine the idea of a sprawling "India that is Bharat" with its roots in ancient civilisation being a nation-state in a modern sense despite vast differences in ecologies, cultures, religion and language. So they left the place in a political mess leaving the former natives to sort themselves out. But here's an interesting twist: The East India Company that gave way to British government rule was essentially a plundering imperialist extension of a monarchy but caused events that transported contemporary European ideas of a multi-party democracy thanks to extensive interactions between British and Indian people and institutions that the British set up to govern India. India ushered in democracy under the Nehru-Gandhi family's elected rule but the family's own leadership style was often imperious. Britain is and was officially a monarchy but its political culture is decidedly liberal democratic. Thus, Scottish folks like Yousaf are not called separatists the way Kashmiri hardliners are referred to in India. One is also tempted to ask: Was Brexit an act of separatism of the UK from the European Union? Bharat is now officially called the Union of India but any political dissent of the Scottish kind would be viewed in India as something akin to sedition or treason, punishable by law. We have the irony of modern India retaining colonial/imperial ideas within a robust democratic republic but the UK is not exactly cracking down on Scots who may want to separate from the UK. What stands out for me, however, is the astonishing manner in which substantial parts of Europe and the US are welcoming South Asian-origin leaders into the higher echelons of national politics. Leo Varadkar (Ireland), Antonio Costa (Portugal), and Rishi Sunak (UK) have gone on to become elected prime ministers of at least partially Indian descent. Kamala Harris, whose mother went to the same Delhi school as I did, is the US vice-president. Vivek Ramaswamy, of southern Indian origin, is now being promoted as a Republican candidate for the American presidency. WATCH | Humza Yousaf becomes first Minority Ethnic Leader of the Scottish National Party × Democratic meritocracy apart ( As in "May The Best Candidate Win"), I also note that outsiders sometimes put in that extra effort to win respect in their adopted homelands. You may call it the Outlier Effect after Malcolm Gladwell's book (Outliers) that talks of how outsiders may have hidden advantages and cultural traits that encourage them to learn, work, and understand the world in a way that sets them apart for success in a culture. Here's where the South Asian footprint may be helping leaders of subcontinental descent in Europe or the US. What we need to emphasise is that outliers as individuals making it big in a democracy should not be confused with colonial rulers using crafty conspiracies, biased laws and brute force to win power. Hindu right-wing thinker Rajiv Malhotra refers to the British East India Company as "perhaps the first large-scale outsourcing company" under which many Indian princely states left governance in the hands of foreigners --- much like Fortune 500 companies of the US leaving technology management to Indian software service companies. The British Raj was about the exercise of strongman authority and military power on the Indian people they called natives. Indian -origin PMs in Europe are those led into their hot seats in a wave of popular votes by fellow citizens. Outlier individuals are not outsourcing experts. Democrats are not imperialists. But yesterday's imperialist countries are now advocating democracy all over. Perhaps we need to ponder why Pakistan suffered under military rule and India struggled with democratic dynasties long after the British left the shores. Is this because the British patronised monarchs in India or were patronised by them while they went the democratic way in their home country? Is it possible that American multiculturalism has influenced Europe the way British citizens helped India evolve into a modern democracy? No easy answers there. But I do know that Humza Yousaf cannot be a devout alcohol-banning Muslim in the land of Scotch. Just as Rishi Sunak, a devout Hindu, cannot ban beef in the UK. Adapting to a new culture, and ruling over another are two different things. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Outsourcing to outliers: Muslim Scot, British Hindu leaders show chequered path from imperialism to democracy

Just hours after it emerged that Humza Yousaf would be the new leader of Scottish National Party, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rejected Yousaf's call&nbsp;for another referendum for Scottish independence. However, Sunak said that he "looks forward to working" with Yousaf.

The people of Scotland and the whole of the UK want politicians "to focus on the issues that matter most to them: reducing inflation, dealing with the cost of living, tackling (hospital) backlogs", he told reporters.&nbsp;

Humza Yousaf, a politician of South Asian-origin, was chosen on Monday (March 27) to replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Yousaf (32) got 52 per cent of votes of SNP members.

Yousaf, though poised to become new Scottish first minister, will not take the post officially until voting by Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) due to take place on Tuesday (March 28).

After he was elected leader of Scottish National Party, Yousaf said that he would make a new push for Scottish independence.

"The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers it," he said in Edinburgh after the result.&nbsp;

"I was determined then, as I am now, as the 14th leader of this great party, that we will deliver independence for Scotland – together as a team," he said, adding Scotland is a European nation.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humza-yousaf-wins-contest-to-become-scotlands-new-leader-576312">Humza Yousaf wins contest to become Scotland's new leader</a>

The last referendum to decide the issue of Scottish independence was carried out in 2014. The final tally had revealed that people had narrowly voted in favour of remaining in the United Kingdom.

The issue of independence resurfaced strongly after Brexit, with Scotland leaders expressing wish for the country to stay in the European Union.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Just hours after it emerged that Humza Yousaf would be the new leader of Scottish National Party, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rejected Yousaf's call for another referendum for Scottish independence.

Just hours after it emerged that Humza Yousaf would be the new leader of Scottish National Party, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rejected Yousaf's call for another referendum for Scottish independence. However, Sunak said that he "looks forward to working" with Yousaf. The people of Scotland and the whole of the UK want politicians "to focus on the issues that matter most to them: reducing inflation, dealing with the cost of living, tackling (hospital) backlogs", he told reporters. Humza Yousaf, a politician of South Asian-origin, was chosen on Monday (March 27) to replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Yousaf (32) got 52 per cent of votes of SNP members. Yousaf, though poised to become new Scottish first minister, will not take the post officially until voting by Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) due to take place on Tuesday (March 28). After he was elected leader of Scottish National Party, Yousaf said that he would make a new push for Scottish independence. "The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers it," he said in Edinburgh after the result. "I was determined then, as I am now, as the 14th leader of this great party, that we will deliver independence for Scotland – together as a team," he said, adding Scotland is a European nation. Also Read | Humza Yousaf wins contest to become Scotland's new leader The last referendum to decide the issue of Scottish independence was carried out in 2014. The final tally had revealed that people had narrowly voted in favour of remaining in the United Kingdom. The issue of independence resurfaced strongly after Brexit, with Scotland leaders expressing wish for the country to stay in the European Union. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK PM rejects new Scottish leader Yousaf's call for independence referendum

For the first time in its history, Scotland elected its first Muslim leader, Humza Yousaf, who won the Scottish National Party leadership contest. The 37-year-old son of a Pakistani descendant is currently&nbsp;Scotland's health minister. He defeated&nbsp;two other lawmakers in a contest to replace First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who unexpectedly stepped down last month after eight years&nbsp;as a leader of the party and of a semi-autonomous government. The SNP members chose Yousaf over finance minister Forbes by a margin of 52 to 48 per cent after the third candidate Ash Regan was eliminated.&nbsp;The challenge he faces now is to unite his party, the Scottish National Party, and re-energising the push for independence from the United Kingdom. Here's everything you need to know about him.

<h3>Humza Yousaf: Early Life and Education&nbsp;</h3>

Humza Haroon Yousaf was born on April 7, 1985, to Punjabi immigrants in Glasgow. His father, Muzzaffar Yousaf was born in Punjab, Pakistan, and immigrated from the city with his family in the 1960s.

Humza attended Mearns Primary School and was later privately educated at Hutchesons' Grammar School. His parents favoured doctor, accountant and law as a career for him, but Yousaf instead opted to study politics. He was the president of the Univeristy of Glasgow&nbsp;Muslim Students Association. He was a prominent figure in student politics.&nbsp;

Yousaf graduated in 2007 with a Master's degree in Arts.&nbsp;

<h3>Humza Yousaf: Personal Life</h3>

Yousaf's first wife Gail Lythgoe is also an SNP worker, and both were married for six years, from 2010 to 2016. In 2019, he married a psychotherapist, Nadia El-Nakla. He has one child and a stepchild.&nbsp;

<h3>Humza Yousaf: Political Career</h3>

Yousaf has always been involved in community work, including charity fundraising. He was the volunteer media spokesperson for the charity Islamic Relief.&nbsp;

He joined the Scottish National Party while studying at the university. In 2007, he extensively began campaigning for SNP for the parliamentary elections which resulted in the first SNP government in the country and his first job in the Scottish parliament.

On Sept 5, 2012, then-first minister Alex Salmond appointed Yousaf as Minster of External Affairs and International Development, where he was responsible for external affairs, fair trade policy and diaspora.&nbsp;

In 2018, he was promoted to&nbsp;Cabinet Secretary for Justice by Nicola Sturgeon.&nbsp;

Since 2021 till now, Humza currently has been serving&nbsp;as the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.&nbsp;&nbsp;But after Nicola Sturgeon announced her departure, he pledged to uphold Sturgeon's socially progressive agenda including same-sex marriage, abortion clinic buffer zones and banning conversion practices.

For the first time in its history, Scotland elected its first Muslim leader, Humza Yousaf, who won the Scottish National Party leadership contest. The 37-year-old son of a Pakistani descendant is currently Scotland's health minister.

For the first time in its history, Scotland elected its first Muslim leader, Humza Yousaf, who won the Scottish National Party leadership contest. The 37-year-old son of a Pakistani descendant is currently Scotland's health minister. He defeated two other lawmakers in a contest to replace First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who unexpectedly stepped down last month after eight years as a leader of the party and of a semi-autonomous government. The SNP members chose Yousaf over finance minister Forbes by a margin of 52 to 48 per cent after the third candidate Ash Regan was eliminated. The challenge he faces now is to unite his party, the Scottish National Party, and re-energising the push for independence from the United Kingdom. Here's everything you need to know about him. Humza Yousaf: Early Life and Education Humza Haroon Yousaf was born on April 7, 1985, to Punjabi immigrants in Glasgow. His father, Muzzaffar Yousaf was born in Punjab, Pakistan, and immigrated from the city with his family in the 1960s. Humza attended Mearns Primary School and was later privately educated at Hutchesons' Grammar School. His parents favoured doctor, accountant and law as a career for him, but Yousaf instead opted to study politics. He was the president of the Univeristy of Glasgow Muslim Students Association. He was a prominent figure in student politics. Yousaf graduated in 2007 with a Master's degree in Arts. Humza Yousaf: Personal Life Yousaf's first wife Gail Lythgoe is also an SNP worker, and both were married for six years, from 2010 to 2016. In 2019, he married a psychotherapist, Nadia El-Nakla. He has one child and a stepchild. Humza Yousaf: Political Career Yousaf has always been involved in community work, including charity fundraising. He was the volunteer media spokesperson for the charity Islamic Relief. He joined the Scottish National Party while studying at the university. In 2007, he extensively began campaigning for SNP for the parliamentary elections which resulted in the first SNP government in the country and his first job in the Scottish parliament. On Sept 5, 2012, then-first minister Alex Salmond appointed Yousaf as Minster of External Affairs and International Development, where he was responsible for external affairs, fair trade policy and diaspora. In 2018, he was promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Justice by Nicola Sturgeon. Since 2021 till now, Humza currently has been serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. But after Nicola Sturgeon announced her departure, he pledged to uphold Sturgeon's socially progressive agenda including same-sex marriage, abortion clinic buffer zones and banning conversion practices.

Who is Humza Yousaf— Scotland's leader of Pakistani origin? Know about his wife and other details

Humza Yousaf, a South Asian-origin politician, was picked&nbsp;on Monday (March 27) to&nbsp;replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 37-year-old Yousaf netted 52 per cent of the final votes of SNP members.&nbsp;

Yousaf will not replace Sturgeon as Scottish first minister until a vote by MSPs, which is due to take place at Holyrood tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said he felt like the "luckiest man in the world" as he made his victory speech and also vowed to be "the generation that delivers independence".&nbsp;

After the result was announced, Yousaf said he would make a renewed push for independence and also that he would concentrate on tackling the cost of living crisis as he set out his goals.&nbsp;

"The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers it," he said in Edinburgh after the result.&nbsp;

"I was determined then, as I am now, as the 14th leader of this great party, that we will deliver independence for Scotland – together as a team," he said, adding Scotland is a European nation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-artist-banksys-migrant-rescue-ship-seized-by-italian-officials-576017">British artist Banksy’s migrant rescue ship seized by Italian officials</a>&nbsp;

Yousaf's victory was confirmed at the capital's Murrayfield rugby ground after a six-week campaign where the three candidates spent much of the contest criticising each other's record in a series of personal attacks.

Yousaf won 24,336 of the votes of the SNP's members in the first round, while his main rival Kate Forbes 32, Scotland's finance minister, came second with 20,559 votes. Ash Regan, who quit the government because of her opposition to proposed changes to gender recognition, was third with 5,599 votes.&nbsp;

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“We will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland.” 
 
Newly-elected SNP leader Humza Yousaf says "the people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before" - after winning the party's leadership contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon. <a href="https://t.co/sqH94HSB9I">pic.twitter.com/sqH94HSB9I</a>
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel4News/status/1640360026484137984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"We want to return to the European Union" 
 
The Scottish National Party's new leader Humza Yousaf describes himself as "a proud Scot, and equally a proud European too" <a href="https://t.co/Cscdj6E80q">https://t.co/Cscdj6E80q</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yb1ilkIyks">pic.twitter.com/Yb1ilkIyks</a>
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After winning, Yousaf thanked&nbsp;his family, and his campaign staff, calling them all "very special people". He said,&nbsp;"I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and hard work of a number of people."&nbsp;

Thanking his "amazing wife" Nadia, who according to Yousaf is not just his rock but his "compass who helps guide me through the most difficult of times".

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Humza Yousaf, a South Asian-origin politician, was picked on Monday (March 27) to replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 37-year-old Yousaf netted 52 per cent of the final votes of SNP members.

Humza Yousaf, a South Asian-origin politician, was picked on Monday (March 27) to replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 37-year-old Yousaf netted 52 per cent of the final votes of SNP members. Yousaf will not replace Sturgeon as Scottish first minister until a vote by MSPs, which is due to take place at Holyrood tomorrow. He said he felt like the "luckiest man in the world" as he made his victory speech and also vowed to be "the generation that delivers independence". After the result was announced, Yousaf said he would make a renewed push for independence and also that he would concentrate on tackling the cost of living crisis as he set out his goals. "The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers it," he said in Edinburgh after the result. "I was determined then, as I am now, as the 14th leader of this great party, that we will deliver independence for Scotland – together as a team," he said, adding Scotland is a European nation. ALSO READ | British artist Banksy’s migrant rescue ship seized by Italian officials Yousaf's victory was confirmed at the capital's Murrayfield rugby ground after a six-week campaign where the three candidates spent much of the contest criticising each other's record in a series of personal attacks. Yousaf won 24,336 of the votes of the SNP's members in the first round, while his main rival Kate Forbes 32, Scotland's finance minister, came second with 20,559 votes. Ash Regan, who quit the government because of her opposition to proposed changes to gender recognition, was third with 5,599 votes. “We will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland.” Newly-elected SNP leader Humza Yousaf says "the people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before" - after winning the party's leadership contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon. pic.twitter.com/sqH94HSB9I — Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 27, 2023 × "We want to return to the European Union" The Scottish National Party's new leader Humza Yousaf describes himself as "a proud Scot, and equally a proud European too" https://t.co/Cscdj6E80q pic.twitter.com/Yb1ilkIyks — Bloomberg UK (@BloombergUK) March 27, 2023 × After winning, Yousaf thanked his family, and his campaign staff, calling them all "very special people". He said, "I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and hard work of a number of people." Thanking his "amazing wife" Nadia, who according to Yousaf is not just his rock but his "compass who helps guide me through the most difficult of times". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Humza Yousaf wins contest to become Scotland's new leader

Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan are the three candidates running to lead the Scottish National Party and become First Minister of Scotland, replacing Nicola Sturgeon.

Scotland's ruling party SNP to announce new leader

Humza Yousaf has pledged to uphold Nicola Sturgeon's socially progressive policy agenda after he confirmed his candidature as the frontrunner for Scotland's first minister. On Monday, Humza Yousaf, the Scottish Health Secretary, supported Sturgeon's remarks on same-sex marriage, abortion clinic buffer zones, banning conversion practices and gender recognition changes. Yousaf also stated he would challenge the UK government's block on Holyrood's gender recognition bill. The contest will become a two-candidate race between Humza Yousaf, 37, and Kate Forbes, 32. The socially conservative Scottish finance secretary confirmed on Twitter about her candidature.

In his speech, Humza Yousaf revealed he was one of the few people Nicola Sturgeon talked to before she planned to resign. Yousaf also mentioned he launched the campaign in Clydebank because his grandfather took his first job at a nearby singer sewing machine factory after immigrating to Scotland in 1962. The frontrunner for Scotland's first minister, Humza Yousaf, believes his candidacy is proof of Scotland's diversity and inclusivity.

<h3>Here's everything you need to know about Humza Yousaf, the frontrunner for Scotland's First Minister and Nicola Sturgeon's replacement.&nbsp;</h3>

<h2>Humza Yousaf: Career</h2>

Since 2021, Humza Yousaf has served as Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. He became the first non-white cabinet minister in the Scottish Government. Furthermore, Humza Yousaf is a member of the Scottish National Party. On February 18, 2023, he declared his candidacy for SNP leadership and First Minister of Scotland.&nbsp;

Humza Yousaf, who hails from Glasgow, was the deputy first minister for Nicola Sturgeon. He was also the Minister for Europe External Affairs and International Development from 2012 to 2014, Minister for Europe and International Development from 2014 to 2016, and Minister for Transport and the Islands from 2016 to 2018.&nbsp;

<h2>Humza Yousaf: Personal Life</h2>

Humza Yousaf's first wife is SNP worker Gail Lythgoe. Their marriage lasted for six years, from 2010 to 2016. In 2019, he married Nadia El-Nakla, a psychotherapist. Humza Yousaf has one child and one stepchild.&nbsp;

Humza Yousaf has pledged to uphold Nicola Sturgeon's socially progressive policy agenda after he confirmed his candidature as the frontrunner for Scotland's first minister.

Humza Yousaf has pledged to uphold Nicola Sturgeon's socially progressive policy agenda after he confirmed his candidature as the frontrunner for Scotland's first minister. On Monday, Humza Yousaf, the Scottish Health Secretary, supported Sturgeon's remarks on same-sex marriage, abortion clinic buffer zones, banning conversion practices and gender recognition changes. Yousaf also stated he would challenge the UK government's block on Holyrood's gender recognition bill. The contest will become a two-candidate race between Humza Yousaf, 37, and Kate Forbes, 32. The socially conservative Scottish finance secretary confirmed on Twitter about her candidature. In his speech, Humza Yousaf revealed he was one of the few people Nicola Sturgeon talked to before she planned to resign. Yousaf also mentioned he launched the campaign in Clydebank because his grandfather took his first job at a nearby singer sewing machine factory after immigrating to Scotland in 1962. The frontrunner for Scotland's first minister, Humza Yousaf, believes his candidacy is proof of Scotland's diversity and inclusivity. Here's everything you need to know about Humza Yousaf, the frontrunner for Scotland's First Minister and Nicola Sturgeon's replacement. Humza Yousaf: Career Since 2021, Humza Yousaf has served as Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. He became the first non-white cabinet minister in the Scottish Government. Furthermore, Humza Yousaf is a member of the Scottish National Party. On February 18, 2023, he declared his candidacy for SNP leadership and First Minister of Scotland. Humza Yousaf, who hails from Glasgow, was the deputy first minister for Nicola Sturgeon. He was also the Minister for Europe External Affairs and International Development from 2012 to 2014, Minister for Europe and International Development from 2014 to 2016, and Minister for Transport and the Islands from 2016 to 2018. Humza Yousaf: Personal Life Humza Yousaf's first wife is SNP worker Gail Lythgoe. Their marriage lasted for six years, from 2010 to 2016. In 2019, he married Nadia El-Nakla, a psychotherapist. Humza Yousaf has one child and one stepchild.

Who is Humza Yousaf? Frontrunner to replace Nicola Sturgeon as Scotland's First Minister

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