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30 October 2024

Islington Labour MP Emily Thornberry’s visit to Central Foundation

On Thursday 17th October, Central Foundation had the honour and pleasure of welcoming the Rt Hon Emily Thornberry, Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury to speak to our A Level Law and Politics students as well as those from the Girls’ School. Emily has represented the area continually for 19 years, beginning in 2005 when Labour was in Government.

Emily spoke about her journey, studying Law at university, paid her way by taking all kinds of jobs, and becoming a barrister. She then discussed her time as a new MP when she was quickly given responsibilities, sitting on several House of Commons committees such as Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Environmental Committee.

After the 2010 election when the Conservatives formed the Government, that is when the Labour Party was in opposition, Emily held many significant positions shadowing for example several Secretaries of State including for Defence, the Environment and the Attorney General Role.

Whether in office or opposition, the strands of Emily’s responsibilities and keen interests over the years have focussed on the housing crisis, the climate emergency, and social equality, and standing up to racist violence against which in August she gave a lead stating:

This racist and Islamophobic violence must be absolutely and unequivocally condemned. Everybody must feel safe on the streets, and I support every effort by the police and courts to bring those involved to swift justice. I stand shoulder to shoulder with local civic and faith leaders.

In September, Emily was elected by her Parliamentary colleagues—of all parties—to chair the prestigious Foreign Affairs Committee, a House of Commons Select Committee which examines the expenditure, administration and policy of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Emily then answered questions from our students with deep, insightful responses and joined both students and staff for a pleasant array of refreshments.

Our students had the following feedback from the event:

Having the opportunity to hear Emily Thornberry was very eye opening as it allowed us to acknowledge her political views. She was able to answer our questions in a very honest manner and gave her genuine outlook on controversial and sensitive topics, such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Her authentic interest in our community was also very inspiring and reassuring as it allows us to feel as though we are in safe hands. Our community is being looked after and the complexities are not being ignored. The pupils at our school really appreciated her appearance and what she had to say.

Tawhida, Year 13 Student

Yesterday, our school had the honour of hosting our local Member of Parliament Emily Thornberry for a special assembly. I was excited, as it’s not every day that we get to hear from someone so involved in shaping our community and policies. The MP spoke about various issues affecting our community, including education, economy, wars around the world and climate change. What really stood out to me was her emphasis on the importance of young voices in politics. She encouraged us to be active participants in our democracy, reminding us that our opinions matter and can influence change.

Marco, Year 13 student

I had the chance to meet Emily Thornberry, the Member of Parliament for Islington, when she visited my school for an event. As the local MP, she took the time to speak with students and answer our questions on a range of sensitive topics and issues affecting our community such as education, wars, the economy and policies regarding young people. The experience demonstrated Ms. Thornberry's dedication to effectively representing and addressing the needs of her constituents. It was an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand how an elected official emphasised the importance of young voices to influence change and can effectively respond to the needs of their local area.

Emily, Year 13 student

Many thanks to the Central Foundation Schools of London (CFSL) Board Member, Avril Calder for arranging this joint programme for both schools.

Rt Hon Emily Thornberry MP with Central Foundation Governors, Headteacher and Members of the CFSL Board

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