Lively debate was had at the STUC Black Workers’ Committee’s Scottish Election Hustings event on 24 April. The mainstream parties were all invited to be represented at the event, and encouraged to field candidates who self identified as BME. Those fielding questions were: Anas Sarwar, top of Labour’s list in the Glasgow Scottish Parliament regions, Abdul Khan a Liberal Democrat candidates for the Glasgow Council Hillhead ward, Davena Rankin Conservative candidate in the Glasgow Cathcart Constituency, Chris Stephens, SNP candidate for Glasgow Pollok, and Rosemary Burnett on the Scottish Green Party’s Glasgow list.
Black Workers’ Committee Chairperson, Habib Hashmi presided over proceedings, giving each candidate three minutes to make an introductory statement, and then allowing them to each respond to a wide range of questions. Issues discussed included, community integration, health, the British National Party, the asylum system and support for refugees and asylums seekers, the war in Iraq, and abortion and euthanasia. Surprisingly there was a considerable amount of consensus amongst all of the candidates, but sadly none of those representing their parties at the hustings were successful in the elections. However, the Black Workers’ Committee was pleased to welcome the election of the first Asian MSP, Bashir Ahmed, who had been due to participate in the STUC hustings. The Committee has sent its congratulations to Bashir Ahmed MSP.