Message of solidarity to Apsana Begum

Dear Apsana

Like everyone else that knows what has been going on over your trigger ballot in Poplar and Limehouse, we are appalled.

Your courage in speaking very publicly about the violence and abuse you faced from your former husband has been palpable. We are sure it has given strength to other women experiencing similar and to all of us who are committed to organise against such behaviour.

The actions of some members of the local party, including people whose behaviour you have previously complained about, is completely unacceptable. It is misogyny writ large. We agree with women’s aid: Violence against women must always be taken seriously.

Equally culpable is the failure of both the regional and national party to intervene to stop the process despite being provided with evidence of the impact of all of this on your health.  This is not good enough and we will encourage our members to write to both bodies to protest in the loudest possible terms.

We hope that we would be protesting if we knew such behaviour was happening to any woman, whatever her politics. Outrageously that does not seem to be the case for the hierarchy at either regional or national level.

Please let us know if there is anything further we can do.

Yours in solidarity

LRC NEC