Thangam Debbonaire
@thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social
Advisor and consultant to various, esp creative sector.
art, books, writing, roses, music, languages (I struggle but it’s worth it)
Member of the House of Lords.
art, books, writing, roses, music, languages (I struggle but it’s worth it)
Member of the House of Lords.
Pinned
🧵on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Friday’s second reading debate in House of Lords was a demonstration of the second chamber at is best: thoughtful, detailed exploration of specific aspects of the Bill as well as its aims. Respectful tone, focussed on the Bill in front of us. (1)
Reposted by Thangam Debbonaire
What do the 2026 #WomensPrizeforNonFiction judges like to read? And what is it that they are looking for in a prize-winning book? Get to know @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social, Roma Agrawal, Nicola Elliott, Nina Stibbe and Nicola Williams better by watching the below👇
October 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
What do the 2026 #WomensPrizeforNonFiction judges like to read? And what is it that they are looking for in a prize-winning book? Get to know @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social, Roma Agrawal, Nicola Elliott, Nina Stibbe and Nicola Williams better by watching the below👇
It’s so exciting to be chairing the non-fiction @womensprize.bsky.social 2026 alongside a fantastic group of women - and alongside another fantastic group judging the fiction prize chaired by Julia Gillard! 👇🏽
Meet the Judges of the 2026 Women’s Prizes!
A warm welcome to: Julia Gillard, @monaarshiwrites.bsky.social, Salma El-Wardany, Cariad Lloyd and Annie Macmanus, and Thangam Debbonaire, Roma Agrawal, Nicola Elliott, Nina Stibbe and Nicola Williams.
#WomensPrize
A warm welcome to: Julia Gillard, @monaarshiwrites.bsky.social, Salma El-Wardany, Cariad Lloyd and Annie Macmanus, and Thangam Debbonaire, Roma Agrawal, Nicola Elliott, Nina Stibbe and Nicola Williams.
#WomensPrize
October 9, 2025 at 5:28 AM
It’s so exciting to be chairing the non-fiction @womensprize.bsky.social 2026 alongside a fantastic group of women - and alongside another fantastic group judging the fiction prize chaired by Julia Gillard! 👇🏽
🧵on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Friday’s second reading debate in House of Lords was a demonstration of the second chamber at is best: thoughtful, detailed exploration of specific aspects of the Bill as well as its aims. Respectful tone, focussed on the Bill in front of us. (1)
September 14, 2025 at 4:55 PM
🧵on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Friday’s second reading debate in House of Lords was a demonstration of the second chamber at is best: thoughtful, detailed exploration of specific aspects of the Bill as well as its aims. Respectful tone, focussed on the Bill in front of us. (1)
The podcast in which I discuss migration, budget pressures, why politicians shouldn’t tell arts/culture and media what to make, create or commission, new parties, new Hamlet and more. With @edvaizey.bsky.social and Robin Brant on Times Radio.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Pressure Grows Over Immigration
Podcast Episode · Politics Unpacked · 22/08/2025 · 33m
podcasts.apple.com
August 25, 2025 at 10:56 AM
The podcast in which I discuss migration, budget pressures, why politicians shouldn’t tell arts/culture and media what to make, create or commission, new parties, new Hamlet and more. With @edvaizey.bsky.social and Robin Brant on Times Radio.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
In Sudan, years of horrific conflict, mass hunger, displacement and sexual violence also urgently need our help:
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/~share?cid=5...
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/~share?cid=5...
Donate to UK for UNHCR
Donate to UK for UNHCR to provide shelter, food, and protection to millions of refugees forced to flee war and persecution.
donate.unrefugees.org.uk
August 22, 2025 at 4:18 PM
In Sudan, years of horrific conflict, mass hunger, displacement and sexual violence also urgently need our help:
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/~share?cid=5...
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/~share?cid=5...
As the horrifying, predicted and inevitable human-created famine in Gaza is finally confirmed, please consider donating to pay for aid whenever it is allowed in:
t.co/1ZMT96pswG
t.co/1ZMT96pswG
https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20657644496&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqqDFBhDhARIsAIHTlkt-GQN8am1JHQ62zjcHMWWf6w2F4FhtbgqETf6Dvdg8L7J1-8bmru0aAke3EALw_...
t.co
August 22, 2025 at 4:17 PM
As the horrifying, predicted and inevitable human-created famine in Gaza is finally confirmed, please consider donating to pay for aid whenever it is allowed in:
t.co/1ZMT96pswG
t.co/1ZMT96pswG
Reposted by Thangam Debbonaire
An impressive set of candidates have put themselves forward to lead Labour Women's Network.
Voting is now open! If you're an LWN member, search your inbox for no-reply@ukevote.uk for your ballot.
#LWNelects25
Voting is now open! If you're an LWN member, search your inbox for no-reply@ukevote.uk for your ballot.
#LWNelects25
August 11, 2025 at 9:21 AM
An impressive set of candidates have put themselves forward to lead Labour Women's Network.
Voting is now open! If you're an LWN member, search your inbox for no-reply@ukevote.uk for your ballot.
#LWNelects25
Voting is now open! If you're an LWN member, search your inbox for no-reply@ukevote.uk for your ballot.
#LWNelects25
Honoured to be re-elected chair of @labourwomensnet.bsky.social and congrats to Kiran! LWN members can vote for 4 more exec committee roles before 15th Sept. Fantastic sisters standing - take a look!
📣 #lwnelects25 update: with only 1 valid nomination each for LWN Chair & Secretary:
🌹 Thangam Debbonaire is re-elected Chair
🌹 Kiran Mahil is re-elected Secretary
Congratulations to our two brilliant Labour sisters!
Polls are open for 4 Exec Committee roles - cast your votes before 15 Sept
🌹 Thangam Debbonaire is re-elected Chair
🌹 Kiran Mahil is re-elected Secretary
Congratulations to our two brilliant Labour sisters!
Polls are open for 4 Exec Committee roles - cast your votes before 15 Sept
August 11, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Honoured to be re-elected chair of @labourwomensnet.bsky.social and congrats to Kiran! LWN members can vote for 4 more exec committee roles before 15th Sept. Fantastic sisters standing - take a look!
Reposted by Thangam Debbonaire
“The ecosystem is essential, not optional.”
🎥 In her maiden House of Lords speech, new peer @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social highlighted the need for a "political case" for the arts, and for treating them as an ecosystem.
🎥 In her maiden House of Lords speech, new peer @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social highlighted the need for a "political case" for the arts, and for treating them as an ecosystem.
August 11, 2025 at 4:44 PM
“The ecosystem is essential, not optional.”
🎥 In her maiden House of Lords speech, new peer @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social highlighted the need for a "political case" for the arts, and for treating them as an ecosystem.
🎥 In her maiden House of Lords speech, new peer @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social highlighted the need for a "political case" for the arts, and for treating them as an ecosystem.
Here is the article from the Times this morning covering some of what I said about the statue of Robert Clive. At the very least, it needs accuracy and context. Ideally, it should not be outside the Foreign Office. Just some honesty in general about the impact of British colonialism would be good.
August 11, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Here is the article from the Times this morning covering some of what I said about the statue of Robert Clive. At the very least, it needs accuracy and context. Ideally, it should not be outside the Foreign Office. Just some honesty in general about the impact of British colonialism would be good.
In Edinburgh for weekend of discussion about freedom of expression, especially in the arts. If you are around, come join the event at @edbookfest.bsky.social I’m speaking at - panel on the above topic, tomorrow, 9th August 14.15.
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
Freedom of Expression: The Long View
From Sat 9 Aug - The debate around freedom of expression feels more contested than ever. But the concept of freedom of expression in the arts is relatively recent, and it was only in 1968 that censors...
www.edbookfest.co.uk
August 8, 2025 at 5:12 PM
In Edinburgh for weekend of discussion about freedom of expression, especially in the arts. If you are around, come join the event at @edbookfest.bsky.social I’m speaking at - panel on the above topic, tomorrow, 9th August 14.15.
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
Yesterday, me and Michael Binyon on @edvaizey.bsky.social hosting Politics Unpacked covering online safety, recognition of state of Palestine, doctors’ strikes, and how come I’ve not been to ABBA Voyage and they both have…
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Battle With The BMA
Podcast Episode · Politics Unpacked · 25/07/2025 · 30m
podcasts.apple.com
July 26, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Yesterday, me and Michael Binyon on @edvaizey.bsky.social hosting Politics Unpacked covering online safety, recognition of state of Palestine, doctors’ strikes, and how come I’ve not been to ABBA Voyage and they both have…
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Reposted by Thangam Debbonaire
Sometimes the historical dictionary offers solace through the existence of an obsolete word that is sorely needed now. One of them is ‘respair’, recorded just once, in the 15th century. It means fresh hope, and a recovery from despair.
July 26, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Sometimes the historical dictionary offers solace through the existence of an obsolete word that is sorely needed now. One of them is ‘respair’, recorded just once, in the 15th century. It means fresh hope, and a recovery from despair.
This was such a wonderful evening - thank you @katherinechibah.bsky.social and our pals Emily and Cathy for making beautiful music. X
Last night was a 2 gig night - Last Leaf Danish folk tunes & Dvorak with my beloved @parlystring4tet mates followed by the amazing Mozart G Minor Quintet with the brilliant Clapton Collective in a different part of town. What a fun / exhausting evening.
July 26, 2025 at 6:23 AM
This was such a wonderful evening - thank you @katherinechibah.bsky.social and our pals Emily and Cathy for making beautiful music. X
The podcast in which I chat to two other musicians about many sorts of music, about joy, about how arts help with grief, what to put on a running playlist, how arts organisations can make a better political case, and more. So yeah. It’s not short!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
139. Baroness Thangam Debbonaire and the underrated value of joy
Podcast Episode · Three In A Bar · 09/07/2025 · 1h 26m
podcasts.apple.com
July 9, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The podcast in which I chat to two other musicians about many sorts of music, about joy, about how arts help with grief, what to put on a running playlist, how arts organisations can make a better political case, and more. So yeah. It’s not short!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
The two-minute speech I made in House of Lords on the value of art & culture - my first, but not my last.
(Time limited because debate max one hour on state music education and it was over subscribed; broader topic because first speeches allowed more scope).
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-0...
(Time limited because debate max one hour on state music education and it was over subscribed; broader topic because first speeches allowed more scope).
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-0...
Music Education: State Schools - Hansard - UK Parliament
Hansard record of the item : 'Music Education: State Schools' on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
hansard.parliament.uk
July 3, 2025 at 5:25 AM
The two-minute speech I made in House of Lords on the value of art & culture - my first, but not my last.
(Time limited because debate max one hour on state music education and it was over subscribed; broader topic because first speeches allowed more scope).
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-0...
(Time limited because debate max one hour on state music education and it was over subscribed; broader topic because first speeches allowed more scope).
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-0...
The job of UK Chancellor is one of the toughest in the world and these are the worst of uncertain times. For the last 364 days our @labourwomensnet.bsky.social sister Rachel Reeves has had more to deal with every day than anyone can imagine and we are very proud of her.
July 3, 2025 at 5:23 AM
The job of UK Chancellor is one of the toughest in the world and these are the worst of uncertain times. For the last 364 days our @labourwomensnet.bsky.social sister Rachel Reeves has had more to deal with every day than anyone can imagine and we are very proud of her.
Yeah I’m in the circus tent at #Glastonbury baby.
June 28, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Yeah I’m in the circus tent at #Glastonbury baby.
My Substack on writing a political speech about arts and culture, which I’m doing today for my first speech in the House of Lords (a short one, for a short debate this evening)
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
Writing a political speech about the value of art and culture
“I expect you’ve already written your maiden speech and memorised it and everything” said a friend who knows me well.
open.substack.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:56 AM
My Substack on writing a political speech about arts and culture, which I’m doing today for my first speech in the House of Lords (a short one, for a short debate this evening)
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
Deadline 5pm tonight to apply to be @labourlist.bsky.social editor! 👇🏽
✍️ Want one of the most interesting jobs in politics and journalism?
We're looking for an experienced, politically astute new Editor, as our current Editor is standing down later this year (read more in today's newsletter).
Apply here:
labourlist.org/2025/05/labo...
We're looking for an experienced, politically astute new Editor, as our current Editor is standing down later this year (read more in today's newsletter).
Apply here:
labourlist.org/2025/05/labo...
LabourList job vacancy: We're looking for a new Editor - LabourList
Job Title: Editor Location: London, including some home working Reports to: LabourList Board Salary: Approximately £40,000-55,000, depending on…
labourlist.org
June 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Deadline 5pm tonight to apply to be @labourlist.bsky.social editor! 👇🏽
Reposted by Thangam Debbonaire
Sill a few tickets left for tomorrow's shortlist event at @foylesforbooks.bsky.social, Charing Cross!
📚 Mishal Husain & @simonparkin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social to discuss their moving, evocative books.
🎟️ Tickets: www.foyles.co.uk/events/orwel...
📚 Mishal Husain & @simonparkin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social to discuss their moving, evocative books.
🎟️ Tickets: www.foyles.co.uk/events/orwel...
June 18, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Sill a few tickets left for tomorrow's shortlist event at @foylesforbooks.bsky.social, Charing Cross!
📚 Mishal Husain & @simonparkin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social to discuss their moving, evocative books.
🎟️ Tickets: www.foyles.co.uk/events/orwel...
📚 Mishal Husain & @simonparkin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social to discuss their moving, evocative books.
🎟️ Tickets: www.foyles.co.uk/events/orwel...
My first Substack. Why I cant walk past a tiny second-hand bookshop: a romance.
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
Why I can’t walk past a tiny second-hand bookshop: a romance
The first one set the template for this romance.
open.substack.com
June 16, 2025 at 7:12 PM
My first Substack. Why I cant walk past a tiny second-hand bookshop: a romance.
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
open.substack.com/pub/thangamd...
Delighted and honoured to be making my Edinburgh International Book Festival debut this summer, on 9th August, opening Saturday. Topic: freedom of expression. Lots to get stuck into.
More details and link to book 👇🏽
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
More details and link to book 👇🏽
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
Freedom of Expression: The Long View
From Sat 9 Aug - The debate around freedom of expression feels more contested than ever. But the concept of freedom of expression in the arts is relatively recent, and it was only in 1968 that censors...
www.edbookfest.co.uk
June 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Delighted and honoured to be making my Edinburgh International Book Festival debut this summer, on 9th August, opening Saturday. Topic: freedom of expression. Lots to get stuck into.
More details and link to book 👇🏽
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
More details and link to book 👇🏽
www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...