Labour MP for Coventry Zarah Sultana has received praise after delivering a moving speech about Islamophobia in Britain including abuse she herself faces.
She became emotional as she read out examples of abusive letters she has received and spoke about her experience of being a Muslim woman in the public eye.
Sultana said: “Before being elected, I was nervous about being a Muslim woman in the public eye. Growing up I had seen the abuse prominent British Muslim were subject to. I knew I wouldn’t be in for an easy ride.
“And today I’d like to say that I was wrong to be worried. When young Muslim girls ask me what it’s like I’d like to say there’s nothing to worry about, that they would face the same challenges as their non-Muslim friends and colleagues.
“But Madam Chair in truth I can’t say that. Because in my short time in Parliament that has not been my experience.”
Sultana read out examples of Islamophobic abuse she has received from members of the electorate while an MP.
As a result, she added: “I have discovered, that to be a Muslim women, to be outspoken and to be left-wing is to be subject to this barrage of racism and hate. It’s to be treated by some as if I were an enemy of the country that I was born in. As if I don’t belong.”
“Islamophobia is very real in Britain today. It’s something I know too well. But it can’t be defeated in isolation. The people who are spreading this hate don’t just target Muslims they target black people, they target Jewish people, they target Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, they target migrants and refugees.
“There is safety and solidarity and it is only through uniting our struggles that we will defeat racism.”
Many people were full of praise for her brave speech
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Related: Watchdog urged to investigate Tory ‘Islamophobia crisis’ with new dossier
