LONDON – A Conservative MP has become the first Muslim woman to speak atthe dispatch box in the House of Commons.
Nusrat Ghani made history when she spoke in the Commons Chamber now thatshe is a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department forTransport.Ghani was awarded the role following the cabinet reshuffle. Engineering andHS2 Ms Ghani was greeted with cheers when she answered her first questionrelated to access to train stations for disabled passengers.
She was also greeted by MPs Bob Blackman and Maggie Throup, who “welcome[d]the new HS2 minister to her place,” the latter congratulating her on herappointment as HS2 minister, and making a plea for statutory compensationfor those of her constituents affected by the line’s construction.
Eddie Hughes asked if Ms Ghani could expand further on 2018 being the yearof engineering. “Can I ask the new minister, my fellow Brummie, as to whatthe government is doing to increase diversity within the profession?” heasked to cheers.
Diverse dreams Ms Ghani said that she urges MPs to be ambassadors in theirconstituencies for “[opening] up engineering as a career for young girlsand boys, especially those from black and Asian minorities.”
Ahead of the session, Nusrat Ghani said “I hope that today, young peoplecan see that regardless of their background, heritage or faith, there willbe a warm welcome on the green benches – and no matter where you are from,you can achieve your dreams and ambitions.”