The Rest Is Politics: Leading 185. Can Labour Win Back Scotland? (Anas Sarwar)
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Apr 19, 2026 
Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour and former dentist turned politician, talks about rising Islamophobia and how it affects families. He discusses fixing Scotland’s struggling education system with discipline and vocational routes. He outlines a pro-growth economic plan and explains why he ruled out deals with Reform or the Tories.
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Childhood Death Threat Shaped Political Reluctance
- Anas Sarwar described receiving a death-threat envelope at age 12 targeting his mother from Combat 18, which led to police fingerprinting and fear in his family.
- That experience initially repulsed him from politics and shaped his view of public life and family safety.
Fear And Blame Is The Central Political Divide
- Sarwar identifies fear and blame politics as the defining global and UK divide, exploited by figures seeking attention or power.
- He links online amplification and legitimate economic despair as causes that allow weaponization of identity against targeted groups.
Practical Reforms To Fix Scottish Schools
- Do reform Scottish education by banning mobile phones, increasing classroom assistants, and keeping exams to restore discipline and outcomes.
- Sarwar cites 43% of pupils having additional support needs while ASN teachers fell 20%, showing practical focus areas.