Political Currency Emily Thornberry on the Corbyn era, being left out of government and Starmer’s first year
Aug 28, 2025
Dame Emily Thornberry, Labour MP for Islington South and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, delves into the Corbyn era, imagining a world with Prime Minister Corbyn and how the UK might have fared. She reflects on Starmer's first year, advocating for more confidence and a strategic approach to inherited challenges. Additionally, Thornberry shares insights from her two decades in Parliament and emphasizes her unwavering loyalty to the Labour Party, while the hosts discuss the intricacies and stakes of government reshuffles.
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Early MP Rebellion And Its Cost
- Emily Thornberry recounts her first weeks as an MP opposing Tony Blair's 90-day detention proposal.
- She faced social and professional ostracism but felt duty-bound to oppose the policy.
Backbench Latitude Versus Frontbench Constraints
- As a backbencher Thornberry says she can speak more freely while still supporting the government.
- She uses that latitude to offer critique and broader public explanations without ministerial constraints.
What A Corbyn Government Might Have Looked Like
- Thornberry describes how Jeremy Corbyn ran a collectivist leadership and how she expected a second Brexit referendum under a Corbyn government.
- She also recounts email leaks and Seamus Milne's damaging briefing after Salisbury.
