I was the first Muslim leader of a western democracy. And I say Islamophobia has poisoned our politics | Humza Yousaf

Anti-Muslim sentiment is so mainstreamed now that politicians like Suella Braverman barely bother disguising it

• Humza Yousaf is a former first minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National party

While many in the world rightly bemoan the rise of populism, few are willing to confront the fact that it is the hatred of Muslims that is driving populism in Europe and the west.

In 2024, almost half the world's population will take part in elections. Many countries have already gone to the polls, and in a number of countries, particularly across Europe, the biggest gains have been made by those who make a living out of vilifying Muslims.