Councillor under fire after being pictured holding rocket-propelled grenade launcher

A Bradford councillor has said he is “not proud” after a photograph appears to depict him holding a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Coun Amir Hussain (Lab, Toller), executive member for health and social care, said he believed the picture was taken 20 years ago when he was on a charitable trip to Afghanistan – before his time on Bradford Council.

The photograph also shows two guns apparently propped up against a wall next to him.Coun Hussain said he had been on a trip to Afghanistan 20 years ago, as a local businessman, to distribute funds raised as part of a Bradford radio appeal. “I would like to apologise for this photo,” he said.



“It is not something I am proud of, and it is not the sort of image that sets a good example to young people in Bradford. That said, it is a photo which was taken around 20 years ago by a friend who I understand has recently joined Respect. I have never owned a copy of this photo, far less paraded it on any social media site and would never consider such behaviour as acceptable.

“I am extremely sorry for any offence this photo causes and would like to stress my opposition to firearms of any sort and the need for the gun crime problems Bradford suffers to be confronted and dealt with.” A Bradford Labour Party spokesman said: “Amir has apologised for this photo which he never wanted to be in the public domain and had forgotten existed. He understands and regrets the offence this sort of picture may cause.”