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https://theconversation.com/humza-yousaf-scotland-gets-a-muslim-leader-in-a-moment-of-extraordinary-change-for-british-politics-202687>
"Humza Yousaf’s appointment as first minister of Scotland is a historic moment
for the UK. It means that, for the first time in history, the country has a
Hindu prime minister in Westminster (Rishi Sunak) and a Muslim first minister
in Scotland.
In his victory speech, Yousaf said:
We should all take pride in the fact that today we have sent a clear
message, that your colour of skin, your faith, is not a barrier to leading
the country we all call home.
On the face of it, these two men, whose families came to the UK as immigrants
looking for a better life, embody the dream that, through hard work, immigrants
and their children can make it to the top of society.
Similar stories are playing out elsewhere at the top level of British politics,
too. Scotland’s main opposition party Labour is led by Anas Sawar, a man who is
also of Pakistani Muslim heritage, as is Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. The
Westminster cabinet also has unprecedented ethnic diversity.
Many of these politicians are the children and grandchildren of immigrants who
came to the UK in the 1950s and 1960s, economic migrants from former colonies
like India, Pakistan and the nations of east Africa and the Caribbean, who came
with little money and limited English language. This first wave of postcolonial
migrants often worked in the great British industries, in factories and in
mills, settling in large town and cities.
Scotland is the only western European nation to have a Muslim leader. The UK is
also now led by the children and grandchildren of people from its formerly
colonised nations. The moment is monumental. The UK, Scotland and indeed
Ireland are all led by people from the south Asian diaspora.
Both Yousaf and Sunak have credited their grandparents and parents for their
work ethic, which they say has enabled them to move up Britain’s social and
political hierarchy. It’s an inspiring story but perhaps one they should both
reflect on now they are in power. It is perhaps harder for arrivals in today’s
Britain to replicate this journey."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
