Baroness Lola Young and Diane Abbott - Info sheet

Baroness Lola Young, ennobled as Baroness Young of Hornsey in the London Borough of Haringey in 2004, is a figure of considerable influence within the realms of academia and culture. With her role as a visiting professor at Birkbeck College, she extends her expertise to the educational sphere, nurturing the next generation of thinkers and creators. In addition to her academic pursuits, Baroness Young is also a respected arts and heritage consultant. Her leadership is further exemplified in her position as chair of the arts advisory committee for the British Council, where she has a significant impact on the direction of Britain's cultural engagements and artistic development on a global stage.

Diane Abbott, a prominent political figure, has served as the Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987. Her tenure as Shadow Home Secretary from 2016 to 2020 highlights her role in shaping the opposition's stance on key national security and domestic issues. Notably, Diane Abbott has etched her name in the annals of British history as the first black woman to be elected to parliament and the longest-serving black MP in the House of Commons. Her political career and achievements have not only paved the way for greater diversity in British politics but also continue to inspire discussions on the contributions and impact of immigrants and their descendants on British society.