Humza Yousaf warns of rising intolerance to immigration in Scotland

Political Reporter
National Press Corporation(NPC)
United Kingdom-Scotland is showing signs of becoming less tolerant towards immigration, according to former first minister Humza Yousaf. He warned that the “toxicity” of debates on multiculturalism in England has now spread north of the border, influencing both public sentiment and political discourse.

Speaking in a BBC Radio 4 documentary Scotland Wants You, Mr Yousaf – who made history in 2023 as Scotland’s first Asian and Muslim first minister – said that intolerance is increasingly evident. He suggested that while many people have genuine concerns about immigration, those concerns are often “misplaced” but have been neglected by politicians. He also questioned long-used phrases such as “we’re all Jock Tamson’s bairns”, describing them as “soundbites” that risk masking deeper issues.

Research appears to back his concerns. Migration Policy Scotland, which has tracked attitudes for three years, reported a clear “cooling” in support for immigration. Surveys show more Scots now want immigration levels reduced compared with previous years. Analysts have warned against complacency, arguing that Scotland’s reputation for being more welcoming than the rest of the UK may no longer hold true.

Figures from National Records of Scotland highlight the scale of migration’s impact, with overseas arrivals driving most of the country’s 0.7% population growth last year. Yet political voices, including Reform UK’s Richard Tice, argue that public discontent stems from people feeling worse off despite assurances that immigration would benefit the economy. For Mr Yousaf, the debate underscores a growing tension between Scotland’s self-image as open and inclusive, and the reality of shifting public attitudes.