Scots parly needs more Muslim MSPs
Demand for more minority candidates follows report on Islamophobia in public life
I hope all parties respond to this call with action
ANAS SARWAR MSP ON MUSLIM CANDIDATES
SCOTLAND’S political parties have been called on to select more Muslim candidates in winnable seats for Holyrood.
Nearly 40 groups have signed an open letter to party leaders after an inquiry flagged up Islamophobia in public life.
Jawad Khursheed, chair of Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) Scotland, said: “The need for fair representation within the Scottish political system is essential.”
A Scottish Parliament crossparty group found 83 per cent of Muslims had experienced Islamophobia in Scotland.
Nearly 80 per cent of Muslim respondents felt the prejudice is getting worse, while a joint university study found Islamophobia is a deterrent for young Muslims engaging in the political process.
Of the 129 MSPs at Holyrood, two – Labour’s Anas Sarwar and SNP Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf – are from Muslim backgrounds. The open letter states: “We believe this needs to change with your help and support. “We believe that taking up the cause of increasing the representation of those from Muslim backgrounds in the Scottish Parliament would be a fundamental first step in sending a message that Muslim communities are an integral and valued part of Scottish society.”
Signatories include the Central Scotland Islamic Centre, Perth Mosque, Falkirk Mosque, West of Scotland Regional Equality Council, Colourful Heritage, Scottish Muslim Media and the Caledonian Islamic Society Association.
Khursheed said: “The Scottish Parliament needs better representation from BAME communities, including Muslims.”
Sarwar said: “I welcome this letter, but it’s important to recognise that we need to increase representation of all minorities in public life in Scotland, including Muslims. I hope all parties respond to this call with actions, not words.”
The Scottish Conservatives said: “There is a real lack of minority representation in Holyrood and all parties must accept responsibility for that.”
Yousaf 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.”