Afzal Khan MP: speeches

Speeches

• 10 Mar 2026 · UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia · Hansard source

  More

  I rise to present this petition on marking the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia. In 2025, 45% of religious hate crimes committed in the UK were directed towards Muslims, a 92% increase since 2023. At a time where anti-Muslim hostility is on the rise online, in the media, on our streets and in our politics, the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a time to come together to challenge this racist hatred and work towards a more tolerant and cohesive society. The petition states: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take action to support marking the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March across the UK. And the petitioners remain, etc.” Following is the full text of the petition: [The petition of residents of the constituency of Manchester Rusholme, Declares that the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia, marked on 15 March, is an important reminder of the unacceptable levels of hatred, discrimination and abuse that Muslims, and those perceived to be Muslim, continue to face worldwide; further declares that public understanding is crucial to tackling prejudice; notes that 45% of religious hate crimes committed in the UK in 2025 were directed towards Muslims, representing a 19% increase on the previous year; further notes the recent rise in Islamophobic disinformation circulating online and in the media; further notes that the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia is marked by several governments worldwide, including the Government of Wales in 2025; further declares that recognising the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia would reaffirm the Government’s commitment to tackling all forms of racism and xenophobia, and encouraging a more tolerant and understanding society. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take action to support marking the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March across the UK. And the petitioners remain, etc.] [P003168]

• 17 Nov 2025 · Asylum Policy · Hansard source

  More

  Migrants make immeasurable contributions to our communities. In Manchester Rusholme, Wendy, who has Jamaican heritage, is a community health champion; Najma, from Somalia, leads local initiatives to tackle knife crime; and Hafsa, who grew up in the middle east, leads nature improvement projects. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the language we use to talk about immigration must reflect the important role that immigrants play in the functioning of our nation?

• 16 Sept 2025 · London Fashion Week: Cultural Contribution · Hansard source

  More

  My hon. Friend is making an excellent case for London Fashion Week; I agree with everything she has said. I am very pleased to note that last week Manchester Fashion Week returned after a decade’s break, showcasing our city’s talent, sustainable practices and rich textile heritage. Does she agree that we should do more to celebrate innovation in fashion across the UK?

• 9 Jul 2025 · Sport England: Tackling Racism · Hansard source

  More

  My hon. Friend is making a very powerful case about the racism that exists in the sport, which of course none of us should tolerate. For me, tackling this racism in sport must also mean improving representation in decision making, which is important. Does she agree?

• 9 Jul 2025 · Sport England: Tackling Racism · Hansard source

  More

  My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech. I want to share an example from the Greater Manchester combined authority, which has, in partnership, launched a cricket strategy aimed at creating inclusive cricket, from encouraging young people to play cricket to creating a network of south Asian women to widen the reach of cricket in our community. Does my hon. Friend agree that such initiatives play a vital role in tackling inequality and racism and in strengthening community cohesion throughout the sport?