UK
Apsana Begum – I will step up for Palestine, migrant rights & an end to austerity.
After being re-elected as MP for Poplar & Limehouse, Apsana Begum used her acceptance speech to reflect on her first 5 years in Parliament and outline her commitment to speaking up for Palestinian rights, peace, equality, workers’ rights and an end to austerity economics. You can read it in full below:
I am grateful to the Returning officer – and all your staff here tonight, and who were at polling stations across Poplar and Limehouse. I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard in supporting me: my agent, my entire campaign team, all my supporters- and the people of Poplar and Limehouse who have re-elected me: thank you.
It has been a difficult journey. I have survived domestic abuse. I did not crumble when I was dragged unfairly through the courts. I have refused to be crushed by harassment and racism. But I have not done this alone.
Because ultimately, this has not been about me as an individual- but about trying to provide the representation that local people deserve. About kicking out the Tories after fourteen years of brutal austerity, and rejecting the their prioritisation of the super-rich, and attacks on our trade unions, human rights, and civil liberties. And it’s also about calling for an end to the oppression and dispossession of Palestinian people. But not only this: it is about building a grassroots movement for real change. For socialism.
I know that the past few years have been very difficult for everyone. I know that people are angry. I want to be frank and clear: I understand how frustrated local people are feeling with the political establishment. I have heard, I have listened and I will not forget.
Whether it’s calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, opposing austerity and privatisation, defending the NHS, calling out the housing crisis, or speaking up for migrant rights, I promise you I will continue to step up.
I will also defend local people, including our local Bangladeshi community, when we are targeted by dog-whistle racism and Islamophobia.
And yes: I will be a voice for the people of Palestine, who are enduring unimaginable horrors as I speak. I will stand up for the people of Poplar and Limehouse, no matter what. I always have, and I always will. Thank you.
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