Dragon Interview: Emily Thornberry Launches Labour Leadership Bid in Her Hometown

Published on: 18 Jan, 2020
Updated on: 18 Jan, 2020

Emily Thornberry came home to Bellfields, Guildford to officially start her campaign to be the new leader of the Labour Party.

Emily Thornberry launching her Labour Party leadership bid in the Waterside Centre in Bellfields where she grew up.

About 100 people, and the national media, came to the Waterside Centre in Bellfields to listen to her set out her priorities were she to be elected as the new Labour leader.

With a five-point plan, including: fighting against a no-deal Brexit, tackling inequality, ensuring proper funding for public services, pride in foreign policy including stopping President Trump driving the UK into war with Iran and leading the fight on climate change, she referred to her difficult upbringing whilst growing up in Bellfields.

Ms Thornberry spoke to Hugh Coakley after her launch. Interview filmed and edited by Mark Insoll.

Responses to Dragon Interview: Emily Thornberry Launches Labour Leadership Bid in Her Hometown

John Perkins Reply

January 19, 2020 at 9:57 am

As nobody is fighting FOR a no-deal Brexit, how will Ms. Thornberry fight against it?

President Trump does not control the UK and cannot drive it into any war. The last time anything like that happened was when a previous Labour Prime Minister agreed to support Bush in his invasion of Iraq. There was massive opposition here, but it had no effect on Tony Blair.

It’s easy to lead the fight on climate change – a child could do it.

It’s important for democracy in this country that there is a strong opposition which offers voters a real choice, including strong left-wing views. However, while the Labour Party allows itself to be led by a group holding opinions which appeal only to a small minority, it’s support will continue to diminish.
- Jacob Allen Reply
  
  January 28, 2020 at 2:28 pm
  
  Children are leading the fight on climate change… and that isn’t a good thing for society.
Brian Creese, Guildford Labour Party Reply

January 20, 2020 at 6:37 pm

Really great to see Emily back in Bellfields to launch her campaign.

The last time she was in that room at the Waterside Centre was for Bill Bellerby’s 100th birthday a few years ago. She has a long link with Guildford and has a clear link to the time when Labour councillors were an important part of Guildford’s politics.

She reminds us that Guildford has not always been a Tory heartland – and need not be forever!