policy - Emily Thornberry

Letter to constituents on UK international aid

Thank you for contacting me about the government’s decision to break its public commitment, enshrined in law since 2015, to spend 0.7% of UK GNI on international aid. UK aid has made a difference to the lives of millions of people across the world. One of the proudest achievements of…

Letter to constituents on gyms and leisure facilities during Coronavirus

Thank you for your email about the importance of keeping gyms and leisure facilities open during the Coronavirus pandemic. I understand that there was a Westminster Hall debate on this issue on 23 November. When the Prime Minister announced that there was going to be a second national lockdown at…

Letter to constituents on the tiered system of Coronavirus restrictions

Thank you for contacting me about the government’s tiered system of Coronavirus restrictions. When Labour supported the second national lockdown in November, we did so because we believed that four weeks would be enough time for the government to get a grip on the virus. We urged the government to…

Letter to constituents on Britain’s exit from the European Union

Thank you for contacting me concerning the latest developments in Britain’s exit from the European Union, and let me firstly apologise for the delay in replying. I wanted to wait until the government’s negotiations of a deal with the EU were beginning to approach their conclusion before I set out…

Letter to constituents on food and farming standards

Thank you for getting in touch me regarding the UK’s food standards and animal welfare rules, and the risk that these could be undermined by a trade deal with the United States. Let me apologise for the delay in replying, but I wanted to wait until the dust had settled…

Letter to constituents on communal worship during lockdown

Thank you for your email about the ban on communal worship during the national lockdown in England. Since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 31 October, I have received many emails from concerned constituents who have shared with me with their fears about what another national lockdown will mean for them…

Letter to constituents on the second national lockdown

Thank you for your email about the national lockdown in England. Since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 31 October, I have received many emails from concerned constituents who have shared with me with their fears about what another national lockdown will mean for them and their loved ones. I understand…

Letter to constituents on the hospitality industry

Thank you for contacting me about your concerns for the hospitality industry. Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, I have been contacted by many constituents who either work in hospitality or care deeply about the future of the industry. Prior to new national lockdown that was imposed in England…

Letter to constituents on exercise during lockdown

Thank you for your email about the importance of sport and exercise ahead of the national lockdown in England. Since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 31 October, I have received many emails from concerned constituents who have shared with me with their fears about what another national lockdown will mean…

Letter to constituents on supertrawlers

Thank you for your email regarding the use of supertrawlers in the UK’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The UK’s seas and oceans are a vital part of our natural heritage and it is essential that we get our marine policies right if we are to protect the UK’s biodiversity, coastal…

Letter to constituents on the government’s promise to Build Back Better

Thank you for contacting me about the government’s promise to Build Back Better from the Coronavirus pandemic. I apologise for the delay in getting back to you. I wanted to share my thoughts with you on Labour’s position when it comes to prioritising a green and fair recovery. We are…

Letter to constituents on the war in Yemen

Thank you for contacting me recently about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the British arms exports to Saudi Arabia that are helping to fuel it. As you know, I have for the last five years been one of the leading voices in Parliament raising the plight of…

Letter on Tony Abbott’s appointment to the UK Board of Trade

Thank you for contacting me about the former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott upon his appointment to the UK’s Board of Trade. Over the past couple of weeks, I have received many emails from concerned members of the public in my Islington South and Finsbury constituency, as well as from…

Letter to constituents on the Coronavirus Act 2020

Thank you for your email about the Coronavirus Act 2020. The Coronavirus Act was enacted in March as part of the national effort to fight COVID-19. It provides the government with the powers necessary to slow the spread of the virus, save lives and protect our NHS. Over the past…

Letter to constituents on government support for workers during Coronavirus

Thank you for your email about your concerns regarding the government’s support package for workers during the Coronavirus pandemic. Recently, I have received many emails from constituents who have been fearful about what might happen to them without a meaningful extension of either the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or the…

Letter to constituents on Black Lives Matter

Many of my constituents have written to me over the last couple of weeks about the Black Lives Matter movement, following the tragic death of George Floyd. You can read my thoughts below.