Islington South and Finsbury MP Dame Emily Thornberry has criticized the Labour government for lacking a compelling narrative, urging the administration to accelerate its efforts and articulate a clearer vision for the country. Speaking at the launch of a free breakfast club at St Peter and St Paul’s Primary School in Clerkenwell, she stated that the government has failed to communicate its strategy effectively.
Call for Clearer Communication
Dame Emily remarked that Labour lacks a “sexy message” to promote its agenda. She argued that the government has not adequately explained “that we have a plan or what that plan is,” attributing the slow pace of change to financial constraints. “There’s no money,” she said, acknowledging the challenges but insisting on the need for bolder action.
Breakfast Club Launch
The breakfast club, supported by a new government scheme, now offers free meals to pupils starting at 7:30 am, including watermelon slices, buttered toast, and blueberries. Previously run by volunteers, the club can now expand thanks to secure funding. Maria Bennett, the school’s business manager, noted that the program aims to increase participation from 20-30 children to 100. “We know it helps working parents; we see more parents going into work now because it’s free childcare,” she said. “Another aim is with attendance – we have problems with attendance, and that helps bridge that gap for learning.”
Inequality in Islington
Dame Emily highlighted the stark wealth inequality in Islington, describing it as “shocking.” She emphasized the role of politicians, the voluntary sector, and churches in maintaining community cohesion. “There is no question that Islington has Georgian squares and cappuccino bars and the chattering classes, but we also have the other extreme,” she said. “This school covers estates in one of the most deprived parts of the borough, right next to the City of London.”
Government's Role
The MP called on the government to share stories of how Labour is helping schools like St Peter and St Paul’s, which now benefit from free lunches, breakfasts, and nursery investments for two-year-olds. These initiatives help fill reception classes as primaries across the borough struggle with low enrollment. “Here is a school where it is happening, but it’s not happening fast enough,” Dame Emily said. “We shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. It’s just taking a long time, and it is different to how it used to be.”
She added that many constituents feel frustrated: “People feel we voted Labour, and we voted Labour with such a promise. Where is it? It is really frustrating and difficult to sell to people. It is coming, it’s just taking longer than you want. It’s not a very sexy message.”
