Former MP Edwina Currie visits Ashton Sixth Form College
Ashton Sixth Form College recently welcomed former Conservative MP Edwina Currie, who shared her insights and experiences in the world of politics with Politics students. Currie spoke passionately about her time in Parliament, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned, especially as one of the few women in the political sphere during her career.
Currie began by reflecting on her entry into politics in the early 1980s, when there were only 23 female MPs, and Margaret Thatcher was the sole woman in a position of high authority. Described as "outrageous and outspoken," Currie rose to prominence for her willingness to speak her mind and push for change. She became an MP during a tumultuous period, marked by the miners' strikes, a pivotal issue that underscored her early years in Parliament. Representing South Derbyshire, a constituency where miners didn’t strike, Currie highlighted the importance of engaging with those holding opposing views to reach mutual understanding and solutions.
She emphasised to students that politics should be rooted in service, focusing on helping constituents rather than prioritising personal career advancement. After her tenure in government, Currie worked with the BBC and authored several books, which she said opened new avenues of influence and personal growth. Currie encouraged students to find opportunities even in difficult circumstances, advising them not to dwell on setbacks but to seek out unexpected possibilities, which, in her words, “might be better than what you were doing.”
Currie also discussed her experience hosting a Ukrainian family in her home for two years, a move inspired by her strong interests in housing issues and the Grenfell tragedy. She spoke passionately about the media’s portrayal of women in politics, a topic she considers critical for improving female representation and support in government.
As she recounted working alongside Margaret Thatcher, Currie also shared her greatest achievements in public health. Her efforts led to the UK’s first breast cancer screening programme and an innovative AIDS campaign focused on education, prevention, and destigmatisation. These initiatives reflected her commitment to NHS improvement and preventative healthcare, ensuring that public funds reached those most in need.
Throughout her career, Currie has also been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, working to change discriminatory laws and promoting equal rights—a principle she explained transcends discussions about specific demographics, focusing instead on universal human rights.
Currie’s talk left Ashton Sixth Form Politics students inspired, highlighting the importance of resilience, empathy, and advocacy in a political career and beyond. Her candid reflections on resilience, public service, and standing up for one's beliefs resonated deeply, inspiring students to think critically about their own potential impact in society. Many students commented on the value of hearing about real-world applications of politics, particularly the importance of compassion and integrity in public service.
By sharing her personal journey and hard-earned lessons, Currie empowered the students to believe that, regardless of obstacles, they too have the ability to make meaningful contributions in their own communities. The session not only broadened their understanding of British politics but also encouraged them to view politics as a path for creating positive change.
Huge thank you to Edwina for coming in and sharing such valuable experiences with our students.
