During the recording of the BBC documentary, I had the pleasure of interviewing Humza Yousaf MSP. Humza is a great role model for me within my political life, as there isn’t any Scots-Asian who has become as senior as Humza within politics in Scotland. But more than his seniority, as a friend and mentor Humza is a kind, caring individual who takes great pride in … Continue reading Humza Yousaf: A role model for me
Starting my journey on the BBC’s program to explore the history of South Asians within politics, I believed I was pretty clued up about the political history. But little did I know of a great man who made huge strides for ethnic minority progress within my own city. I had the pleasure of meeting Bashir Maan who was the first ever elected ethnic minority representative … Continue reading Bashir Maan: A Pioneer
At the heart of the snap general election campaign this year is every political party’s vision on Brexit, but I can’t help but see – or not see – one glaring element that has been secluded from the election. Diverse representation. During the Brexit campaign a number of pledges were made about “taking back control of our borders” or other passive aggressive one-liners which sought … Continue reading Female and BAME Westminster Candidates – where are the champions for our communities?
Alongside North Lanarkshire Council’s equalities officer, Audrey, I was enrolled into an eight week British Sign Language (BSL) course with roughly forty of our staff. As the equalities officer for the SNP group in NLC, I felt it was important to build upon the links I had made with Deaf Services Lanarkshire to improve my understanding of how I can be of support to the … Continue reading Learning British Sign Language!
The European Week of Regions and Cities is an exciting annual event where local government representatives meet to discuss good practice and create opportunities for collegiate working across Europe. This year I had the pleasure of attending the international conference in Brussels on behalf of Scotland representing a delegation of Young Elected Politicians – or YEPs – who spoke on behalf of Europe’s vibrant political … Continue reading New connections, new future
Kashmir Emergency Motion, at the Scottish National Party (SNP) Conference 2019 #SNP19 The SNP national conference accepts the emergency motion on the situation in Kashmir proposed by Councillor Junaid Ashraf. Condemning the treatment of the citizens of Kashmir and standing in solidarity for their right to self determine as a nation. Continue reading Kashmir Emergency Motion – #SNP19
Proud to have led the Solidarity Rally for Kashmir with many allies today through the heart of Glasgow. We must make clear the message that injustice will not be tolerated and call on the international community to take action.Over the past 8 weeks over 8 million Kashmiris have been virtually caged, there has been an enforced curfew, a media blackout and the voice of Kashmir … Continue reading Kashmir Solidarity Rally
I was glad to attend the UK Asian football championship award dinner and pay tribute to the tireless work of the Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association (SEMSA) who have championed widening sports access for over 30 years for minority groups Continue reading Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association 2019 Dinner Speech
Proud to have led the Solidarity March alongside Alison Thewliss MP for Kashmir with many allies through the heart of Glasgow We must make clear the message that injustice will not be tolerated and call on the international community to take action Over the past 8 weeks over 8 million Kashmiris have been locked up, there has been an enforced curfew, a media blackout and … Continue reading Kashmir Solidarity March – 22nd September 2019
Cllr Junaid Ashraf 