۱۰ فروردین ۱۴۰۳ |۱۹ رمضان ۱۴۴۵ | Mar 29, 2024
Calls to increase number of Muslim MSPs at next year's Holyrood election

Nearly 40 groups have signed an open letter to party leaders after an inquiry flagged up Islamophobia in public life.

Hawzah News Agency (Holyrood, Scotland) - 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 Scotland (MEND), said: “The need for fair representation within the Scottish political system is essential.”

A probe by a Scottish Parliament cross-party group found that 83% of Muslims had experienced Islamophobia in Scotland.

Nearly 80% 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.

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, Colorful Heritage, Scottish Muslim Media and the Caledonian Islamic Society Association.

Also on the list are the central mosques in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as the Muslim Association of Britain and Muslim Council Scotland.

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