ONE MUSLIM Labour supporter held a meeting with a twist last Wednesday morning (July 19), on the eve of the Ealing-Southall by-election.

A group of Muslim women were joined in the front room of Rupa Huq's Northfields house by three female government ministers.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell, local government minister Yvette Cooper and junior health minister Ann Keen joined Miss Huq and the other women for a no-holds-barred discussion.

Miss Huq, whose sister is Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, said: "They were all pretty normal and down to earth although it was really surreal having Tessa Jowell on my sofa and asking if she could use the loo."

Topics discussed at the meeting included Jack Straw's remarks on the hijab, the influence of organised Muslim groups on the government and Muslim stereotypes in the media.

Miss Huq, a lecturer in sociology at Kingston University, said: "Whenever you see Muslims on TV we're portrayed as terrorists, extremists and rioters or you only get two eyes peeping out of a veil.

"We need to promote positive stereotypes to show we're not all like that.

"One of the Muslim women who got my text the day before said she couldn't make it but that I ought to ask if they'll still be dunking hob-nobs with the sisters once the by-election is over.

"Tessa Jowell seemed very keen that we did and promised to brief Virendra (Sharma) on the meeting so I'm positive that there will be a lasting outcome."

MP Sion Simon also attended the meeting, although he took on the demanding role of entertaining Rupa's three-year-old son Rafi with the help of special branch officers.