Anum Qaisar-Javed has said she hopes her election as an MP is an encouragement for young women and people from minority groups to get involved in politics.
It comes after she was officially sworn in as the new SNP MP for Airdrie and Shotts at Westminster on Monday having won the constituency by-election last week.
The 28-year-old modern studies teacher succeeds Neil Gray, who stepped down as an MP to become an MSP, and become Scotland’s second ever female Muslim MP.
“I am delighted to have been sworn in today as the MP for Airdrie and Shotts,” said Qaisar-Javed.
“I hope this moment is a source of encouragement for other young women and people from all minority groups to get involved in politics and to ensure Parliament is reflective of our diverse society.
“I will be getting straight to work on behalf of my constituents who have placed their trust in me and tackling the issues that matter to them.”
She added: “The Covid pandemic has exposed the deep inequalities that exist in our society and my priority will be working to ensure that my constituents have the support they need to get through this crisis.
“And, once the crisis is over, people in Scotland will have the right to determine our own future in a referendum.
“I will be campaigning for Scotland to become an independent country, so we can make the changes needed to secure a strong, fair and equal recovery.”
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