SNP Launch New Drive for Diversity in Political Life

Ahmad Scholarship Launched at SNP Equalities Conference
The SNP has today launched a new initiative tasked with encouraging a greater number of black, Asian and minority ethnic people into political decision making in Scotland.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP and Scotland’s first female Asian MP Tasmina Ahmed Sheik will co-chair a taskforce to explore the barriers facing those entering politics and public life, with a view to overcoming those obstacles.

Their work will include establishing a new Bashir Ahmad Scholarship programme, launched today at the SNP Equalities Day, which brings together conventions for black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members, LGBTI+ members, and Disabled members at the SECC in Glasgow.

The scholarship, named in memory of the late SNP MSP Bashir Ahmad, will provide political mentoring and internship opportunities to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members of the SNP. Bashir Ahmad made history in 2007 when he was elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament, representing Glasgow on the regional list. He was the first Asian-Scot and non-white parliamentarian to sit in Holyrood. Bashir died in February 2009.

Setting out her commitment to increase diversity in politics and Scottish public life, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said:

"I am proud to lead a party that celebrates the diversity of our nation. From Bashir Ahmad, the first minority ethnic Scot elected to the Scottish Parliament, to Humza Yousaf, the first minority ethnic Scot appointed to government and Tasmina-Ahmed Sheik, the first minority ethnic woman elected to Westminster from Scotland, it is the SNP that has led the way in making significant cracks in the glass ceiling.

“However, we must go further. The Scottish Parliament, Westminster and our council chambers must reflect the multicultural tartan of Scotland. I want our party to not only celebrate diversity but actively ensure we reflect that diversity.

“The Bashir Ahmad Scholarship programme will provide political mentoring and internship opportunities to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Scots.

“And I have asked Humza Yousaf and Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh to co-chair a working group on behalf of the SNP to explore the barriers facing those entering politics and public life, with a view to overcoming those obstacles.

“The SNP is committed to a wholly inclusive Scotland – whether you are from Pakistan or Poland, Ireland or India, the SNP wants you as part of our movement.

“In the words of Bashir Ahmad, ‘it doesn't matter where you come from, what matters is where we go together as a nation’.”

Looking ahead to the work of the taskforce Humza Yousaf, who worked for Bashir Ahmad, added:

"Without the vision and drive of the late, great Bashir Ahmad I simply wouldn't be in the position I am in today. His efforts made it possible for me, and hopefully a future generation of minority ethnic Scots, to get involved in politics. However, it would be a mistake to think the job is done, as a nation we need to be more representative of Scottish society in all layers of our political system.

"I am delighted that the SNP has launched the Bashir Ahmad Scholarship and it is a real pleasure to co-Chair the Working Group to look at how we can make our party more reflective of Scotland's multicultural landscape."

The SNP’s Equalities Convener, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh added:

“The SNP has equality at its core. We are an inclusive, socially progressive party, with a forward-thinking membership.

“Achieving a proper balance of candidates and elected representatives who are fully reflective of all those we seek to represent, is a process and not an event. It takes time, effort and planning to deliver this kind of positive advancement.

“I’m really looking forward to co-chairing the Working Group with Humza and taking our commitment to inclusivity from strength to strength.”

SNP MPs Back Cross-Party Campaign to Name Terror Group "Daesh"

At a photo-call on the steps of Westminster Hall today, SNP MPs will join MPs from across the parties at an event to urge the UK Government to refer to the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as Daesh.

A letter to the Prime Minister urging this change has been organised by Rehman Chishti MP, and signed by some 125 MPs - including the SNP's Angus Robertson, Alex Salmond and Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh; Zac Goldsmith and Boris Johnston from the Conservatives; Labour's Keith Vaz, and the Green MP Caroline Lucas. A similar letter has also been sent BBC Director General Tony Hall.

Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh speaking in advance of the event, said:

"This letter - backed by some 125 MPs from across the parties - urges the Prime Minister to make it UK Government policy to refer to the so called Islamic State as 'Daesh'. The governments of Turkey, France and Australia have already adopted Daesh to describe this despicable terror group, and we believe that the UK Government and indeed BBC should now follow suit.

"The use of terminology such as Islamic State, ISIL and ISIS risks taking away from the fact that this is a murderous terrorist organisation, and nothing more. This group is not a recognised state, is categorically not Islamic, and has no support from our Muslim community, who all believe that actions like last week's senseless shootings in Tunisia are an outrage.

"After the Prime Minister's Statement to the House of Commons on Monday, I was encouraged to hear MPs from across the Chamber refer to 'Daesh' when asking questions on the awful tragedy in Tunisia

"Renaming them Daesh will not solve anything overnight, but it will be a step in the right direction.

"This action would complement a range of other measures we need to take to combat extremism. We must prioritise the use of international aid to fund education projects and work to combat poverty - and continue to fund projects at home which tackle radicalisation by supporting families and communities to help our younger people to make positive choices about their future. In particular we need to work with women to empower them in tacking extremism at its root."

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"Daesh" is an Arabic acronym and refers to "one who sows discord".