Stuart Lawrence, the brother of Stephen Lawrence, who tragically lost his life in a racially motivated attack in 1993, praised the historic moment of David Lammy being the first Black man to participate in Prime Minister’s Questions. Stuart, a vocal advocate for racial equality, expressed his view from the public gallery, stating, “This is a significant occasion that reflects the aspirations of young Black British individuals.”
David Lammy, who assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister following Angela Rayner’s resignation, acknowledged the trailblazers who preceded him, such as veteran MP Diane Abbott, the first Black woman to partake in PMQs, and Kemi Badenoch, the first Black leader of a major UK political party.
Black MPs commended Lammy’s milestone moment. Calvin Bailey, Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, emphasized the importance of such events in promoting a united and inclusive society. Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent East and the first Black woman to speak as a minister from the despatch box in 2009, congratulated Lammy on his historic achievement, highlighting the significance of representation in politics for future generations.
Adam Jogee, Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, also emphasized the importance of representation, stating that the UK should be a place where individuals can succeed regardless of their background. He extended well wishes to Deputy Prime Minister Lammy for his participation in Prime Minister’s Questions.
In a related context, Diane Abbott made history in 2019 as the first black MP to represent her party at PMQs, directing questions to Dominic Raab while serving as the Shadow Home Secretary. Abbott’s participation, alongside Lammy’s recent involvement, underscores the ongoing efforts towards inclusivity and diversity in UK politics.