Diane Abbott, MP, Shadow Health Minister: live webchat about British culture becoming 'increasingly pornified', Thursday 21st March, 1pm

[MylinhMumsnet]

Hello

We'll be welcoming Diane Abbott, Shadow Minister for Public Health and MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, for a webchat this Thursday 21 March, at 1pm.

Diane made history in 1987 by becoming the first black woman ever elected to the British Parliament. In May 2010 Diane was re-elected in her constituency and doubled her majority on an increased turnout, and in June 2010 she made the ballot for the next Labour leadership contest. She is a leading Labour politician and also has a distinguished career as a broadcaster and commentator.

Earlier this year, we read with interest Diane's comments about British culture being 'increasingly pornified' and damaging to young people. Diane has since told us that some of what Mumsnetters have said on the issue, especially in relation to our Let Girls Be Girls campaign, has been a big influence on her thinking.

Diane is interested in hearing your questions on this - and more - in relation to her role as both an MP and a Shadow Health Minister. Please join us on Thursday from 1pm and, as ever, feel free to post advance questions below.


Thanks
MNHQ

[LineRunner]

Diane

I'm glad you'll be seeking to un-blame feminism. The problems of masculinity are more rightly to be blamed on pornification within competitive capitalism, I reckon.

Thanks for coming on MN.

[LineRunner]

Xenia

I'm still hoping for President H Rodham Clinton.

[DianeAbbottMP]

@eggsandham

Hi Diane. Thanks for coming on here. I read somewhere that you were thinking of running for London Mayor. Is that true?

I am not ruling it in or out

[DianeAbbottMP]

Thank you all for taking part in the conversation. I have really enjoyed it. Good bye and wrap up warm for the week-end!
Diane

[Pennykettle]

Frenchym Thanks for clarification, I have a 10yr old and wd be horrified if DC watching hardcore porn. With you completely on the discussion point. It's very important, I think, for our children to feel they can talk to us about anything.

[elkiedee]

thread marking post so I can find the thread, sorry I missed it but it's our regular outing to the Children's Centre at that time on Thursdays

[MylinhMumsnet]

Hi everyone - a big thanks to all for taking part. Diane enjoyed answering your questions, so much so that she's emailed us this additional response.

@UnsureOfOutcome

Hey Diane, can I ask what your priorities are as shadow health minister? What would you do differently in terms of the NHS? I live in Lewisham and was on the march recently to save our A&E so it's a matter very close to my heart.

Can you explain a bit about how Labour would handle NHS funding and the problems around the burden the service is under? Where do you see the NHS in 20 years' time - what state will it be in? I'm terrified we'll end up going down an american-style healthcare route ...

I think what the government is doing to our NHS is a tragedy. NHS staff are battling with an expensive, ideological and unwanted reorganisation. We're seeing the budget being cut, clinical staff being axed and real pressure on patient care. I think many people are regretting ever letting the Tories anywhere near our NHS. I want to say clearly that Labour will repeal the legislation of the government's NHS reorganisation. We will support the NHS, make reconfigurations where we need to, and restore its founding principles.

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

Thanks for answering my slightly tricky, but basically sympathetic, schools choice question. Am glad to hear things are going well for your son. Wondering slightly which RG he's at, as I went to Bristol and then Exeter for PGCE.
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