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Sarwar Accuses SNP of 'Institutionalised Failure'

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ar-accuses-snp-of-institutionalised-failure.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 9:20 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Glasgow, Scotland - January 29th, 2026 - Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar today sharply escalated his criticism of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP), branding its governance as characterized by "institutionalised failure" across critical public services. In a forceful speech delivered in Glasgow, Sarwar painted a bleak picture of Scotland under the SNP's 16-year rule, focusing particularly on perceived shortcomings in education, healthcare, and the ongoing national tragedy of drug-related deaths.

The speech, delivered at a Scottish Labour gathering, wasn't merely a recitation of policy disagreements but a direct assault on the competency and priorities of the current administration. Sarwar specifically highlighted Glasgow and the wider Clyde Valley region as areas consistently let down by the SNP, accusing the party of broken promises and a chronic lack of investment.

"The truth is, the SNP has presided over a decline in public services," Sarwar stated. "It's not just a case of failing to deliver - they have institutionalised failure." This strong language signals a shift in Labour's strategy - moving beyond highlighting specific policy failures to questioning the very ability of the SNP to govern effectively.

Sarwar contrasted Labour's vision with what he characterized as the SNP's pattern of "empty promises." He pledged a concrete plan for a "fairer Scotland" built on tangible improvements to public services, a robust economy, and expanded opportunities for all citizens. While details of this plan are still being rolled out, the focus appears to be on practical, localized improvements rather than grand constitutional debates.

The attack comes at a pivotal moment for Scottish politics. The SNP, while still the dominant force, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. The drug deaths crisis, consistently one of the worst in Europe, continues to cast a long shadow, and concerns over waiting times in the National Health Service (NHS) Scotland are widespread. Reports of falling educational attainment, particularly in deprived areas, have further fueled public discontent.

Sarwar directly linked these issues to the SNP's long-held pursuit of Scottish independence. He accused First Minister Humza Yousaf of being "out of touch" with the pressing needs of the Scottish public, arguing that the relentless focus on constitutional matters has diverted resources and attention away from essential services. While the independence referendum debate has cooled somewhat since the 2014 vote and the more recent, unofficial 2020 push, it remains a central tenet of the SNP's identity and platform. Sarwar's argument aims to frame this commitment as a distraction from the everyday concerns of ordinary Scots.

Recent polling data suggests Sarwar's strategy is resonating with voters. Several surveys now indicate a significant surge in Labour support in Scotland, potentially positioning the party for substantial gains in the upcoming general election. While the SNP remains ahead, Labour is closing the gap, and analysts suggest a shift in voting intentions is underway. This has prompted speculation about a potential Labour resurgence in a country where the party once held considerable sway.

The SNP has responded to Sarwar's criticisms by defending its record and accusing Labour of engaging in negative campaigning. They point to investment in areas like renewable energy and social welfare programs, as well as the introduction of policies like free school meals. However, these arguments appear to be failing to address the growing public dissatisfaction with the state of public services.

The coming months are likely to see an intensification of the political battle between Labour and the SNP. Sarwar's aggressive stance suggests he is determined to capitalize on public discontent and present Labour as a viable alternative government. The SNP, meanwhile, will be fighting to defend its record and reassert its vision for Scotland. The outcome of this contest will have significant implications for the future of the nation.