From Parliament to the Classroom: Emily Thornberry Inspires CFGS Students

 

 

Who is Emily Thornberry?

Emily Thornberry has been the Member of Parliament for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005 and has held several important roles within the Labour Party, including Shadow Foreign Secretary. Known for her work on social justice, human rights, and foreign policy, Thornberry is a senior figure in British politics. Over her career, she has focused on tackling inequality, climate change, and improving social welfare, and her views often spark debate within political circles.

Her long career in Parliament has been dedicated to advocating for policies that benefit everyday people, particularly in areas like healthcare, education, and workers' rights. As an MP for a diverse London constituency, she has worked hard to address the needs of her local community, balancing her responsibilities as a representative of her constituents with the broader national and international issues that shape the country.

 

“It was really nice meeting Emily Thornberry, her responses and speeches gave me an insight into parliament and how her journey led to her current position. Her encouragement for young people to be an active part in politics was admirable and served as a reminder that our voice matters.”  - Nusrat, Year 12

 

Talking About Her Career and Constituency

During her visit, Emily Thornberry spoke about her career in politics and what it’s like to represent her constituency. Islington South and Finsbury is a diverse area in central London, and Thornberry emphasized the importance of being in tune with the needs of the people who live there. She discussed how her work as an MP involves not just attending debates in Parliament, but also being a voice for her local community, addressing concerns ranging from housing and healthcare to education and employment.

Thornberry said that her own journey into politics was driven by a desire to make a difference, and she shared with the students how challenging but rewarding it has been to represent a community while also being involved in national issues. Her perspective on balancing local priorities with the bigger picture in politics gave students a valuable insight into the work of an MP.

 

“To say this experience was interesting would be an understatement - I managed to acquire a solid understanding of her different responsibilities, and her authenticity whilst expressing her political views was inspiring.” – Khadija, Year 12

 

 Discussing the Israel-Gaza Conflict

One of the more difficult topics Thornberry addressed was the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. She expressed her concerns about the humanitarian impact of the war and the suffering faced by civilians. Thornberry emphasized that Labour’s stance is to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict, one that involves diplomacy and international cooperation. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, she stressed the importance of dialogue over military action, and how the UK’s foreign policy must prioritize peace and stability.

For students studying Citizenship and Politics, this was an opportunity to hear firsthand from a politician about how the UK should approach global conflicts. Thornberry’s insights into the balance between national interests and international responsibility gave students a deeper understanding of the role the UK plays in global affairs.

 

Pension Winter Fuel Payments and Social Support

Thornberry also spoke about the issue of pension winter fuel payments, something that directly affects many of her constituents. She discussed the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, particularly pensioners, during the colder months when energy bills rise. Thornberry explained that the Labour Party wants to ensure that pensioners, especially those living on low incomes, don’t have to choose between heating and eating.

This conversation tied directly into the students’ studies on social welfare and the role of the government in ensuring equality. Thornberry’s focus on practical policies aimed at supporting those who need it most was a key takeaway for students learning about the real-world impact of political decisions.

 

Votes at 16: A Progressive Vision

Another key topic Thornberry discussed was her strong belief in lowering the voting age to 16. She argued that young people today are engaged with important issues like climate change, education, and the economy, and that they should have a say in the decisions that will affect their future. Thornberry believes that giving young people the right to vote would not only be a step towards a more inclusive democracy but would also encourage greater political engagement.

For students in their late teens, this was an especially interesting topic. Many of them may soon be eligible to vote, and hearing a senior politician advocate for a lower voting age gave them a new perspective on the power of youth in shaping the future.

 “Meeting Emily Thornberry was an eventful way to gain a deeper understanding about the world of politics.” – Madeeha, Year 12

 

Labour’s Manifesto and Political Vision

Lastly, Thornberry spoke about Labour’s vision for the future and the policies they’re putting forward in their manifesto. She talked about how Labour aims to tackle issues like climate change, inequality, and economic fairness, and stressed the party’s commitment to funding public services like the NHS and education. Thornberry explained that Labour’s policies are focused on creating a more equitable society where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

This part of the conversation was particularly useful for the students, as it helped them understand how political parties craft their manifestos and the importance of these documents in shaping national policy. Hearing directly from a Labour politician gave them a clearer picture of what the party stands for and how it seeks to address the key issues facing the country today.

 

A Valuable Learning Experience

Overall, Emily Thornberry’s visit to Central Foundation Boys’ School was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with a senior politician and gain insight into the world of British politics. Her discussions on her career, her constituency, and key issues like social welfare, foreign policy, and votes at 16 were incredibly relevant to the students' studies in Citizenship and Politics.

The visit not only helped students understand the practical side of politics but also encouraged them to think critically about the issues that shape society. It was a memorable day that inspired many of the students to become more active in politics and stay informed about the decisions that impact their lives.

“This event was a unique and fascinating opportunity that enabled a greater understanding of how her role influences or is influenced in Parliament and through her constituency.” - Iqra K, Year 12

 

Written by Arnisa, Year 12