Jim Gallagher
Jim Gallagher, Chair of Our Scottish Future
Our Scottish Future Chair Jim Gallagher said:
“Our Scottish Future extends our congratulations to Humza Yousaf. His election as Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister tomorrow will mark a historic moment, reflecting Scotland’s increasing diversity. That is something the entire country can welcome.”
“Mr Yousaf has the opportunity to bring people together, not just in the SNP, but across the country as he resets Scottish government policy to focus on the domestic issues which he rightly says matter to people now. He begins the job with a groaning in-tray which has stacked up ever higher during the six weeks of the SNP leadership campaign. Scots want him to focus on two big things: measures to support the economy and families during the cost of living crisis, and a clear plan to fix the NHS. He urgently needs to develop a sustainable strategy on these priorities and must now get to work immediately on them.”
“His chances of success will be vastly improved if he also resets the Scottish Government’s relationship with the rest of the UK. We therefore urge Mr Yousaf to rekindle the original spirit of devolution by setting out both bold policies here in Scotland, and working effectively with the UK Government on shared priorities. On everything from the drive to net zero to building a new industrial strategy, we can achieve so much more when we work together.”
“We wish Mr Yousaf every success, and we look forward to seeing how cooperation not confrontation can rebuild Scotland’s economy and our NHS .”
