STOP PRESS: MSP open letter

Categories: Past Event Articles
Wednesday June 24 2020
MEND Scotland initiated an open letter that was signed by 36 Scottish Muslim and equalities organisations and called on all political parties in Scotland to sign a commitment to work towards ‘Increasing Muslim Representation in Scottish Politics’
MEND Press Release
36 Muslim and equalities organisations have signed an open letter, organised by MEND (Muslim engagement and development), calling upon all political parties in Scotland to sign a commitment to place more Muslim candidates in winnable seats for the Holyrood elections in 2021, as part of the fight against Islamophobia. (The letter and list of signatories is attached)
- The action is being taken following findings from the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Islamophobia.
- The CPG found serious issues, including that 83% of Muslims had experienced Islamophobia in Scotland with 79% of Muslims feeling Islamophobia is getting worse in Scotland.
- A study carried out by Newcastle University and the University of St Andrews found that everyday Islamophobia is a deterrent for young Muslims engaging in the political process in Scotland.
- Organisations across Scotland call for immediate and long-lasting change.
Jawad Khursheed, Chair of MEND Scotland, says:
“The need for fair representation within the Scottish political system is essential to tackle the rise of islamophobia facing Muslims across the whole of Scotland. The Scottish Parliament needs better representation from BAME communities, including Muslims.”
Daily Record had the exclusive on the action producing a positive article which you can read here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/calls-increase-number-muslim-msps-22233081
The article included quotes from Cabinet Secretary Humza Yousuf MSP, who said “I am keen we see greater representation of Scottish Muslims in our nation’s Parliament – particularly Muslim Women – and we will give careful consideration to MEND’s pledge.”
Anas Sarwar MSP said: “Everyday racism exists in Scotland and every party should commit to tackling prejudice and hatred in all its forms.
The article was then picked up by Glasgow Go Radio with our Scotland Chair providing sound bites that were aired throughout the day.
We look forward to further positive responses and action from the political parties on this important matter.