This year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF} delivers many outstanding events, year on year for book readers and the public alike, And Diane Abbott’’s, book launch by Britain’s first Black female Member of Parliament was not an exception.!
Diane is a most powerful speaker and the audience enjoyed her honesty, humour, and openness about her reflections. it must have been one of the most fascinating and enjoyable one hour event that any audience could experience and spend with any author..
Diane is not only a long-serving MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, but is also:
- a household name,
- a campaigner, and
- an outspoken advocate for justice and equality.
Her journey from a North London childhood, the daughter of Windrush-generation parents, through Cambridge University, to the front benches of Westminster is nothing short of remarkable.
The session was chaired by campaigner and consultant Talat Yaqoob, who described reading Abbott’s memoir ‘A Woman Like Me’ as
“an absolute privilege.”
From the moment Diane walked on stage, the packed audience erupted into cheers and applause — a spontaneous, heartfelt welcome that spoke volumes about the respect and admiration she inspires.
Yaqoob set the tone:
“Well, I think that cheer says it all. It’s wonderful to have you here with us today. As you can tell from my copy of your book, covered in post-it notes, I have so many questions. But first, let me introduce the Right Honourable Diane Abbott MP. In 1987, she made history as the first Black woman elected to Westminster. Since then, she has built a distinguished career as a parliamentarian, broadcaster and commentator, fighting for justice and equality for over three decades.”
Reflecting on a Trailblazing Career
Asked why she decided to write her memoir, Abbott explained:
“I came to a point in my career when I could reflect on the past, and I had never really done that before. For ten years, I was the only Black woman in Parliament – the only one out of 650 MPs. That had never really occurred to me at the time.”
She hopes her book will inspire others:
“I want other women, and particularly other Black women, to look at what I have done and see what I have strode through – and to see that they can strive too.”
Family life was a strong theme in the discussion. Abbot paid tribute to her mother, who arrived from Jamaica in the 1950s as a nurse and became, in Diane’s words, her greatest influence.
“My mother was extraordinary. If anybody influenced me above all, it was her. West Indian nurses in the 50s helped to build the NHS, and I was glad in my book to pay testimony to that.”
The London Borough MP shared stories of resilience, such as bouncing back after a teacher wrongly accused her of cheating, and challenging another who told her…
“She wasn’t Oxford or Cambridge material.”
““I thought, ‘But I do. And that’s what matters, isn’t it?’ That has been the slogan of my life – whether it’s my history teacher or Keir Starmer, I always think I’m up to it.”
Power, Politics and Perseverance
Abbott spoke candidly about her early career in the Home Office, her disillusionment with the civil service, and her enduring belief that power should rest with the people, not bureaucrats. When asked what first attracted her to the civil service, her one-word answer was:
“Power.”
She also addressed more recent controversies, including being blocked from speaking in Parliament following racist and sexist comments by Tory donor Frank Hester.
“All party leaders mentioned me, yet I wasn’t called. I later heard . Sunak didn’t want me called as it involved a Tory donor, and Starmer didn’t either, as he wanted political advantage. Even after 38 years as an MP, I couldn’t believe it.”
Looking Ahead
The audience pressed her on what comes next. Would she consider joining Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana’s new party? Abbott was cautious:
“It’s tricky. Under first-past-the-post, it’s very hard to succeed. Still, I think his party will do better than people expect, as many are disappointed with Labour.”
And her message to young Black and brown women considering politics?
“Yes, it’s tough, but there’s so much to do in communities. I urge women to get involved, even if it’s just attending a meeting, because it’s about our children’s future. If you do nothing, you’re saying their future won’t be better than ours.”
Final Thoughts
The hour-long event gave only a glimpse into Abbott’s resilience, sharp political mind and deep commitment to justice.
Whether reflecting on:
- her childhood,
- her battles in Westminster,
- or her vision for the future,
Diane Abbott came across as what she has always been: a politician of immense strength, patience and perseverance — especially in the face of adversity.