Thought For The Day – Monday 1^st November 2022

Since last half term, Mr. Rishi Sunak has become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.  Unusually, Mr. Sunak is the third Prime Minister is seven weeks, the fifth in six years.

In his first speech as Prime Minister, Mr. Sunak used one word that is explicit (or mentioned)  in our school values and other words that are implicit (not mentioned but still important)  in and to everything we do: “I will bring compassion to the challenges we face today… This government will have integrity, professionalism, and accountability at every level. Trust is earned and I will earn yours.”  Mr. Sunak said words would become actions and he would work “day in and day out to deliver for you”.

Mr. Sunak’s  is a groundbreaking and historic Prime Minister. The son of immigrants of Indian heritage from East Africa, Rishi  Sunak is the first British Asian person to become Prime Minister and the second youngest Prime Minister in history.   Mr. Sunak is the first Hindu to become Prime Minister and, by coincidence, became Prime Minister at the time of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. He is the second person from a religion different from Christianity to become Prime Minister. Inclusion, equality and diversity show their vital importance once again.

Mr. Sunak, who was elected to be a Member of Parliament in 2015,  and played a key role in ensuring families were economically supported in the global pandemic,  became Prime Minister when he secured the majority of support of Conservative Members of Parliament ahead of Ms. Penny Mordaunt, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons,  and Mr. Boris Johnson,  former Prime Minister.  Rishi Sunak succeeds Liz Truss.  Though Mrs. Truss thoughtfully led the period of national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and implemented a key plan to support families with rising energy costs, she lost the support and confidence of Members of Parliament and financial authorities and leaders for an economic plan which proposed economic growth through higher spending, lower taxation and more borrowing.  Supported by her husband and daughters,  showing the importance of family, Mrs. Truss continued to advocate her general approach as she left Downing Street to tender her resignation to King Charles III before the King invited Mr. Sunak, the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons, after the 2019 General Election, to form a government. Other political leaders and parties, for example Sir Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition,  called for a General Election, normally every four or five years,  given significant changes since 2019, for the public to have their say.

Politics is governed by events, people, public service,  principles and integrity.  It is a vital subject brilliantly taught at TBSHS by Mr. Conquest, Head of Politics, and Mr. Stark, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form.  Equally vitally, Mr. Williams, and his team,  superbly leads our Economic and Business education at TBSHS.

Politics is governed by events, people, public service,  principles and integrity.  It is important that you give your own appropriate and respectful point of view, having considered other appropriate and respectful perspectives.

The role and responsibility of the Prime Minister is very important. We wish Mr. Sunak well as he leads a team and the country and plays a key, moral and positive part globally in challenging times, using the power of the office for good for all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-h08ygsomQ