Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi in hospital with coronavirus

Published: 19 October 2020

Post Desk : Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi has been hospitalised with coronavirus, it has been confirmed.

The MP, whose constituency is in Greater Manchester, revealed she was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia on Saturday.

Ms Qureshi, a barrister, is Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow International Development Minister and has been the MP for Bolton South East since 2010.

It comes as Greater Manchester’s MPs and local leaders across the political spectrum have been locked in a stand-off over Manchester moving into Tier 3. Ministers hope to break the deadlock with an offer of millions of pounds in extra financial support.

 

Ms Qureshi wrote on Facebook: “Two weeks ago, I began to feel unwell. I then tested positive for Covid-19, so my family and I immediately self-isolated at home.

“I have not travelled to Westminster or anywhere else.

“I continued to work as best I could remotely, attending virtual meetings and doing casework, but after 10 days, I began to feel much worse and on Saturday I was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia.

“I’m being very well looked after and have nothing but praise and admiration for the wonderful staff at the hospital. They have been amazing throughout the process and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone working here in such difficult circumstances.

“Although I am currently in hospital, my staff are continuing to work as normal – if you have any issues that you need help with, please get in touch by contacting the office.”

Labour leader Sir Keir tweeted: “My thoughts are with my friend [Yasmin] who has been admitted to hospital after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

“My thanks go to the staff caring for Yasmin at the Royal Bolton Hospital, along with NHS staff across the country who are on the frontline against Covid-19.”

Her colleague Toby Perkins added: “Get well soon my friend and colleague.⁩ Her statement is typical of her sense of responsibility and instinctive obligation to her constituents.”

Diane Abbott added: “So sorry to hear that you have been stricken by Covid-19. Sending my best regards to you and your family and wishing you a speedy recovery.”

Shadow ministers Jim McMahon and Nick Thomas-Symonds sent their best wishes. Labour’s Charlotte Nichols, Ian Byrne and Alex Davies-Jones sent their love to the MP, while Kim Johnson added: “So sorry to hear this.”

Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone added: “Sending my love and best wishes to [Yasmin] and her family! Power to your elbow, Yasmin! Get better soon.”

Conservative Party MP James Daly, whose constituency is also in Greater Manchester, added: “I’m extremely sorry to hear of the hospitalisation of [Yasmin] due to Covid-19. Sending my thoughts to Yasmin, her family and friends and hoping for a very speedy recovery.”

Tory MP for Guildford Angela Richardson added: Very sorry to hear of the hospitalisation of [Yasmin] due to Covid-19. My thoughts with her and her family and friends for a speedy recovery.”