Fitzpatrick: This is evidence of politics

Dear Ed, MP JIM Fitzpatrick’s departure from a wedding at the London Muslim Centre is important to remember that he is a politician, so everything he does is taken as evidence of his politics

Dear Ed,

MP JIM Fitzpatrick's departure from a wedding at the London Muslim Centre is important to remember that he is a politician, so everything he does is taken as evidence of his politics.

If he had remained it would have meant he approved, politically, of enforced segregation between men and women. In that sense his life is different from other people.

Look at the furore when certain Labour politicians sent their children to private school, while in public supporting state schools.

I don't see how Jim could have stayed at the wedding. We simply cannot have Members of Parliament who are prepared to condone sexism and segregation.

This is not political opportunism. Let's face it, Jim's action could cost him his seat. This was a principled stand and it is notable that the Conservatives and Respect parties have attempted to make political capital out of it, while the Greens and Lib Dems do not appear to have made any statement (unless I missed it).

I looked at the men being interviewed coming out of Whitechapel Mosque and they were explaining the importance of women 'covering up'. If women have to cover up in the way suggested, they will become little more than objects living within the home, not allowed to make choices about their own lives.

I am not saying this is the case with all women in the Moslem community in Tower Hamlets, but it does seem to be happening to quite a lot of them, which seems cruel.

I am grateful that Jim has had the courage to take a principled stand, as women's rights are fragile and can be taken away very easily.

Lizzie Romilly

Aberavon Road, Bow