“If we only stick to our own echo chambers, wherever they are on the political spectrum, we change nothing and increase polarisation and mistrust.”

Thangam Debbonaire was Labour Member of Parliament for Bristol West 2015 – 2024 and a member of Keir’s Shadow Cabinet, serving as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons. She was previously Shadow Brexit Minister and Labour whip.

A former professional cellist, she is now a happy amateur in a string quartet. Thangam’s current strategic advisory work includes arts and cultural diplomacy, tech and AI and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She likes to take on controversial topics such as corporate donations, cultural reparations, migration, identity, and the future of democracy.

"Thangam has a refreshing, independent outlook." —  Elaine Robinson