MP for Bethnal Green and Bow Rushanara Ali resigns following Iraq war vote

 
Resignation: Rushanara Ali (Picture: PA)
Standard Reporter26 September 2014
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A Muslim member of the Labour party has resigned as shadow minister because she would not vote for military action against Islamic State in Iraq.

Rushanara Ali said she was concerned air strikes would cause further bloodshed for the people of Iraq.

The Bethnal Green and Bow MP has been a frontbench spokeswoman for education since last year and previously was the shadow minister for international development.

In a letter to Mr Miliband ahead of the vote on Iraq, Ms Ali said: "I understand the case that has been made and will not be voting against the motion. But I am unable in conscience to support the motion and I will make a deliberate abstention."

Ms Ali said she was not convinced that a "credible long-term strategy" was in place to ensure the Iraqi army was able to restore security in the country, and warned the potential that air strikes might radicalise British Muslims had not been "thought through".

She said in her letter: "There can be no doubt that the actions of Isil are horrific and barbaric and I share the revulsion that everyone in our country feels towards them.

"However, I am not confident that this military action will be effective in the short-term in just targeting the terrorists and not harming innocent civilians. Nor can I pretend to have any confidence that there is a credible long-term strategy to build up the capacity of the Iraqi army or that the potential impact on radicalisation in the UK has been properly thought through.

"Despite good intentions, too many mistakes have been made over the last decade and far too many people in conflict zones have had to pay a high price for misconceived actions by the UK and other countries.

"I appreciate the sincerity of Members of Parliament from all sides of the House who today support military action against Isil. I know that British Muslims stand united in the total condemnation of the murders that Isil have committed.

"However, there is a genuine belief in Muslim and non-Muslim communities that military action will only create further bloodshed and further pain for the people of Iraq."

Ms Ali, who was elected to Parliament in 2010 for a constituency with a large Muslim population, said she was standing down "with great regret" and assured Mr Miliband she remained "totally committed to your leadership".

In a letter of reply, Mr Miliband praised Ms Ali as "someone with great ability and talent" and said he regretted her departure from his frontbench team, but added: "I respect your decision and accept your resignation."

Labour MP Iain McKenzie was sacked as parliamentary aide to shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker after he voted against military action.

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