Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has declared that Andy Burnham will help the country 'defeat the Right' as a new chapter for Labour opens. In his Daily Record column, Sarwar expressed delight that Burnham is set to become Prime Minister today, July 20, 2026.
Burnham's Vision for the UK
Sarwar highlighted Burnham's simple yet powerful message to the nation on Friday: bringing hope back to the UK. He emphasised that Burnham possesses the experience, energy, and vision to make Scotland and the UK thrive. As Burnham arrives at Downing Street, he is already focused on facing challenges with hope, ambition, and determination.
Sarwar confirmed that Burnham has the full support of the Scottish Labour Party as he outlines his vision to empower working people. He called on all who believe in progress, decency, and unity to ensure the success of Burnham and the Labour government.
The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
Sarwar warned that the hard right is tirelessly spreading fear, despair, and division across the UK. He described the current situation as a fight for the heart and soul of the country, pitting the elected Labour government against a new radical right led by Nigel Farage and funded by shadowy crypto billionaires. Sarwar framed the choice as hope versus hate, progress versus reaction, and unity versus division.
He stressed that the way to win is clear: make life better for working people. Burnham noted on Friday that the system has left working people feeling powerless and overlooked, while some thrived. In Scotland, this has resulted in crumbling public services and an SNP government that relies on blame-shifting. Across the UK, anger has reached boiling point this summer.
Empowering Working People
Sarwar outlined three key strategies to empower working people: devolving power into communities so they can make decisions affecting their lives, working with business to increase economic growth and create jobs, and steadfastly upholding Labour values of solidarity, unity, and equality. He concluded that this is how the right will be defeated and how Labour will win.
Commonwealth Games Joy
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games kicks off on July 23 at the OVO Hydro. Sarwar expressed excitement for Team Scotland athletes competing in front of a passionate home crowd and hopes they will win plenty of medals. He noted that the Games bring visitors and an economic boost, but questioned whether Glasgow is in a better state than 12 years ago. Under the SNP at Holyrood and Glasgow City Council, the city has been badly neglected. Sarwar called for support to clean up and restore Glasgow, using the Games as a chance for a positive legacy.
World Cup Memories
Sarwar congratulated last night's winners on being crowned world champions and thanked the Scotland team for taking the nation back onto the world stage. With no football for a few weeks, he asked Record readers for recommendations on what to watch.
