Diners at the celebration Eid dinner to mark the end of Ramadan at Pollokshields Burgh Hall in late October, were among the first to know of the challenge from the Scottish National Party to the Government at Westminster over the Iraq war. They were let into the move by their main speaker, SNP Party Leader, Alex Salmon.

‘I know the Government will not face defeat but I am confident they will face a much more substantial vote against them than they did in 2003,’ said Mr Salmon. To loud applause he added, ‘This Prime Minister should be held to account for the biggest mess since World War 1.’

While the SNP Leader was being transported by fast car from another engagement in Aberdeen to the Pollokshields’ SNP’s dinner, his deputy, MSP Nicola Sturgeon held the floor.

She used the opportunity to tell branch members and guests who packed the hall,  that she needed only 618 more votes to beat Labour in the Govan Constituency in May. ‘Many people believe it is time for change and it is very likely the SNP will be elected in the Govan Constituency.’ But she emphasised that those who shared her Party’s vision for an independent Scotland would have to get out and vote.

Other speakers included Glasgow City Councillor Bashir Ahamed who expressed the hope that ‘God Willing’ he would become the first Asian MSP in Scotland.

Convenor of Pollokshields Branch,  Jahangir Hanif  added, ‘We all need to do a bit extra in Govan from now till next May.’

Pakistani Consul General, Shah Jamal was an honoured guest at the dinner which was attended mostly by people from the Asian Community. Sponsor Saddaqat Khan of Let’s Direct, proposed the vote of thanks at the end.