May Allah Bless You Salma Yaqoob

The decision made by Salma Yaqoob to end her career with the Respect Party was a total shock to us all. Her message on her website read as follows:

“It is with deep regret that I have decided to resign from Respect. The last few weeks have been extremely difficult for everyone in the party. I feel necessary relations of trust and collaborative working have unfortunately broken down. I have no wish to prolong those difficulties, and indeed hope that they may now be drawn to a close.

I remain committed to the principles and values that led me to help found Respect. The policies we have fought for need to be voiced as loud as ever in opposition to a political establishment that remains out of touch with working people.

I would like to thank everyone in the party for their support over the years; I wish everyone the very best for the future and in those common struggles for peace, justice and equality that I am sure we will all continue to be involved in.”

Salma Yaqoob

As a Muslim woman, I fully respect her decision and was saddened by this news. She was the first Muslim woman politician who made an impact on my life. She stood up for what she believed in and she never showed fear in the face of her opposition. She fought against the stereotypes which are prevalent within the Muslim Asian community and was respected amongst those who did not agree with her.

She won 50% of the votes in 2006, and was elected as City Councillor to represent the Sparkbrook Ward on Birmingham City Council.

She worked relentlessly for the rights of Birminghams inner city, and was seen as somebody who cared about all people regardless of race or religion.

From defending the niqab and women’s rights, to speaking out against countless wars, she made sure that her voice for the voiceless was heard.

Recently she spoke for the Muslims of Burma which was ignored by many British Politicians and raised awareness when the majority of the Muslims did not know what to do.

Salma Yaqoob will surely be missed on the political level. She was a keen fighter for our people.

MPACUK would like to express their gratitude towards our sister in Islam for showing us that Muslims can make a difference in the political arena, and we wish you the best for whatever you decide to do in the future.

May Allah bless you Salma.