In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Humza Yousaf, former First Minister of Scotland and long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, joins host Diana Safieh for an honest, urgent and deeply personal discussion about the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine, what must come next, and how Britain can no longer look away from its historic and present responsibilities.
Humza reflects on:
Why recognition is only the start and what concrete steps the UK must take now — including an immediate halt to arms sales to Israel, meaningful sanctions, and suspension of the UK-Israel trade agreement.
His family’s personal story, including the displacement of his wife’s grandmother during the Nakba, her life in Gaza, and the pain of her exile and passing last month in Istanbul.
How dehumanisation enables genocide, and why continued public pressure is essential as Gaza slips from the news cycle.
The crisis of global leadership and how failure to uphold international law anywhere erodes its power everywhere.
Why the UK’s position is hypocritical, recognising Palestine in principle while arming a state condemned by the ICJ for apartheid and led by a man sought by the ICC.
Where public opinion is shifting, especially among younger generations in the UK and the US, and why politicians remain far behind.
How citizens can influence MPs, especially those “on the fence”, and why mobilisation ahead of the 2026 elections will be crucial.
The West Bank, the rise in settler violence, and what justice demands for 700,000+ illegal settlers in any future settlement.
The release of Palestinian political prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti, and what equitable Palestinian leadership might look like.
Rebuilding Palestinian institutions, including universities, hospitals and governance structures—and why Palestinians, not the West, must lead.
His own future plans, from nurturing the next generation of global leaders to countering the far right and helping rebuild Gaza’s higher education sector.
Throughout, Humza offers clarity, compassion and a grounded path forward—rooted in justice, equal rights and Palestinian self-determination.
