Baroness Young
by Anthony Gardner
Lola Young - otherwise Baroness Young of Hornsey - has been a member of the House of Lords since 2004. After two years as a social worker in Islington in the early Seventies, she studied at the New College of Speech and Drama and became a professional actress. She has since worked as an arts administrator and a lecturer in media and cultural studies, holding professorships at Middlesex University. She has also been project director of the Archives and Museum of Black Heritage, commissioner in the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts and is currently one of the UK's Ambassadors for European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008.
Do you ever miss working in the theatre?
I sometimes miss acting. The work is challenging in a different way to what I do now. Trying to inhabit a character's psyche and understand their motivation is hard work. You want that character to feel real to audiences
When you were acting, did you ever imagine yourself becoming a politician?
I certainly didn't! I was always interested in politics, though, and when I stopped acting I thought briefly about being an MP.
What role did you most enjoy playing?
It's hard to say: there were several parts that were good fun - a referee for a woman's wrestling match, a fish-finger singing like Shirley Bassey, the girlfriend of a young man who's invented a robot which comes to life. I also acted in Shakespeare and in new work by Trevor Griffiths, David Hare and Willy Russell...take your pick!
Has your theatrical training proved useful in the House of Lords?
Theatrical training has been useful throughout my professional career. I originally got into acting to build confidence. As an academic and public speaker, I am always able to project my voice without straining it, and I have techniques for calming nerves learnt at drama college. The effective delivery of the points I wish to make is important to me.
What is the most valuable thing you've learnt in the last four years?
That people are often different to your preconceptions, and to let people's words, actions and behaviour inform your judgement. I'm also learning when to be patient and when to push things along.
Which piece of legislation are you proudest to be associated with?
As an Independent Cross Bench Peer, I'm in the fortunate position of being able to vote on what I think is right - what is best for the country in my view. I would not associate myself with only one piece of legislation. Every Bill is of importance for a significant section of the community, otherwise legislation wouldn't be necessary. I am hoping to get my teeth into working on the proposed Single Equalities Act, as that will be a major piece of legislation which will affect virtually everyone.
How important has your early experience as a social worker been to you?
Very, because I became aware of the issues that affect children and young people in the care of local authorities. The system has changed since I worked in it, but some of the problems are the same now.
What are the issues that most concern you at present?
The demonisation of young people; media and political attitudes towards asylum seekers and refugees; the plight of young people in the care system; racism and discrimination; poverty.
What form do you think the House of Lords should ultimately take?
This is a difficult one. Ideally, I hope that whatever happens it can retain its best features, such as the wide range of experience and deep knowledge that many members have, its ability to cut through party politics when necessary, its forensic approach to scrutiny, and the presence of non-party political peers. However, I recognise that to have unelected people determining legislation is anathema to many.
How far-reaching do you expect the influence of the internet on British politics to become in the next few years?
It depends on the extent to which future generations engage with politics. Politicians will work with whatever technology is available - eventually - in order to encourage people to participate in the political process.
Do you think that politicians take the arts seriously enough?
Generally speaking, no. There are so many ways in which the arts and creativity in general enrich our lives and help to sharpen our critical and intellectual faculties. Sadly, when funds are tight, the arts are first in line for the chop.
What more would you like to see the European Commission doing to encourage the arts?
Well, funding is important - it's no good saying, 'We value the arts' and then leaving them without sufficient resources. The EC could also encourage what I think of as creative entrepreneurialism, by supporting (through research, case studies etc) new models for funding the arts and for widening access and active participation.
How far do you think of yourself as a citizen of Europe rather than the UK?
Corny as it may sound, I feel more of a global citizen. I love London, very much enjoy travelling - especially by train - and would like to think that more people here in the UK would welcome an increase in intercultural understanding.
Do you think that multiculturalism is more than just a buzzword?
I don't think it's even a buzzword now. It's been so misused and denigrated, I'm not at all clear what the meaning is. It's been used as a kind of shorthand for a variety of policies, as well as a simple description of reality, but people keep declaring it's dead.
Do you believe that Britain has anything to teach other European countries about the assimilation of ethnic minorities, or should it be taking lessons from them?
Assimilation is quite a contentious term, as it suggests giving up something in order to develop a sense of social homogeneity - which I think is neither possible nor desirable. I would say we have long experience of trying to understand these issues, and some policies and strategies have worked well and others not so well; yet others have been unhelpful. I think we could all usefully share understanding experiences and ambitions and work with colleagues from other parts of Europe to develop a harmonious society that is able to deal with difference.
How important was last year's bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade on British ships for the black community in Britain?
The bicentenary was important for everyone here, because it's part of a shared history which has shaped the ways in which black and white people relate to each other over the years, and we still live with its legacy. This is significant wherever someone has come from to live in Britain.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I like fencing (with foil) as it's both physically and intellectually challenging; reading, creative writing, walking and gardening.
What are you reading at the moment?
And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison.
Is enough being done to safeguard the future of Britain's manuscripts?
Well, there's always more to do on that score.
Do you think the book will survive in its traditional form?
I'd say that reports of the imminent death of the printed book are premature.
© Anthony Gardner. All views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to the European Commission.