Office for Students: Appointment

Afzal Khan Excerpts
Monday 8th January 2018

(6 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call Afzal Khan.

Afzal Khan Portrait Afzal Khan
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Toby labelled Islam a “deeply misogynistic religion,” and he referred to the choice of some Muslim women to adopt the hijab as forced by male oppression. At a time when many more young British Muslim women are entering higher education, do the Government consider it appropriate to appoint such a person to the Office for Students? What is the likelihood that Toby Young will command the respect of Muslim women in higher education who wear the hijab?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The hon. Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell) looked almost inconsolable not to be called. It is true that I was looking in her direction at an earlier stage and might very well do so again, but it would be a pity to squander her at too early a stage of our proceeding. I am saving her up.