Valerie signs joint letter in solidarity with Afghan women MPs

On 18 August 2021, I co-signed a letter with 135 fellow female MPs to Elay Ershad, expressing support and solidarity with her and women MPs in Afghanistan during this difficult time. The letter was coordinated by Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP.

You can read the full text of this letter below:

Dear Elay,

Re: Westminster women MPs pledge support for Afghan women MPs

You inspired us when, as a woman MP from Afghanistan, you joined us in the Chamber of the House of Commons in the UK Parliament in 2018 and spoke of your hopes of freedom and security for the people you represented.

We are dismayed at the situation that now faces you and in particular women in Afghanistan and send you our admiration for your commitment to democracy, to women’s rights and above all for your remarkable courage as a woman politician in staying in Kabul, resolute in the face of the Taliban takeover.

As women MPs in the UK Parliament we want you to know that we are looking out for you and we stand in solidarity with you and with all women politicians in Afghanistan who have stepped forward to be in public life and who, in particular, speak out for women and bring the representation of women into politics.