On Friday, we were delighted to host Mark Ferguson MP, the newly elected Labour Member of Parliament for Gateshead Central and Whickham, a constituency covering both Emmanuel College and Grace College.

Mark Ferguson was interviewed for The ET, Emmanuel’s student magazine, by Senior Media & Publications Editor Andrew Richardson.  Their interview covered issues from what it was like entering Parliament for the first time as an MP, to his experience growing up in the North East of England.

Mark became an MP following the election in July after a varied career, including time as a journalist and trade union worker, and he is proud to serve the community he was raised in.  He explained to Andrew what it was like to attend the University of Cambridge coming after growing up in Gateshead and the passion he feels for our region.

After the election of a Labour government for the first time in 14 years, hearing the perspective of someone close to the heart of this new administration was very worthwhile.  Mark Ferguson served on Labour’s National Executive Committee, a body central to developing the Party’s New Deal for Working People, so speaking to him about the value of work and importance of fair work was very interesting.  Mark talked passionately about the government’s plans for building a partnership between workers and their employers and how this can influence community, a subject he cares about as a proponent of ‘One Nation Labour’, an idea which promotes pride in Britain and its people, while encouraging social justice.

It was a pleasure to have Mr Ferguson come to Emmanuel College today, and we will plan to have him visit both Grace College and Emmanuel College again very soon in the future.  It will be excellent to have a Member of Parliament speak to our students about their important role in our society, and perhaps inspire some of the politicians and leaders of the future.