Amber Khan - Antics Editor

How did you first get involved in politics?

After I graduated, my first job was working as a researcher for an MP and I remember hearing the adage ‘you might not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you’. This truism is something that stuck with me because this is something that really manifests itself in significant ways across every aspect of our lives.

During my time in this role, I was able to meet some incredible activists and see the important work that they did advocating for some of the most vulnerable groups in society. Being able to talk to a variety of activists about their work and see the processes of parliament first-hand made me realise how important it is to engage politically to advocate for positive change and for the causes that you believe in

What made you join and get involved with the Young Fabians

I joined the Fabian Society because it provides important opportunities to discuss and meaningfully engage with ideas, advance positive social change and confront the various injustices that permeate our society. The society is also an important space for engaging with perspectives that are different to your own in a collegiate, non-factional way and to attend events to hear a variety of views on a topic.

I've really enjoyed my time being a part of the society and I’ve made some great friends. For people interested in left-wing politics and social change, I can’t recommend joining the Fabian Society enough.

What are your aims for the year ahead in your position?

It’s important to me that Antics is used as a platform to host discussions, ideas and arguments on the most pressing political issues today. It was a pleasure to be able to work with erudite and passionate writers and speakers last year and I really enjoyed the process of putting the issue together. This year, I want to continue to ensure that Antics is accessible to all members and provides a voice to underrepresented groups to share their opinions and visions for the future.

Finally, the society is really lucky to have some incredibly talented creatives and I want to make sure Antics continues to be a space to showcase the various talents of our members. For example, last year’s edition of Antics was elevated to another level through the phenomenal series of artworks done by Mariota Spens (@mariotaspens on Instagram). I want to continue to encourage creative contributions to Antics as well as the more traditional pitches.

If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?

I would take a cue from my predecessor and go on a lavish holiday to Marbella.

If you had to be stranded on a desert island with a Labour MP, who would it be and why?

Dawn Butler because she knows how to throw a great karaoke party.

Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or ten duck-sized horses, and why?

Nice try, RSPCA.

To get in touch with Amber, you can email her at [email protected] or find her on Twitter at @amber_khan_.

Sarina Kiayani - Communications Officer

How did you first get involved in politics?

A-Level Politics really opened my eyes to the brutal reality of cuts and austerity. And then I was so sad to see Ed Miliband lose the 2015 General Election, so I immediately joined Labour the very next day, and the rest is history!

What made you join and get involved with the Young Fabians?

I met the Chair, Laura, through Labour in Communications, and she spoke so highly about the group and how lovely everyone was. Graduating into a pandemic made me want to put myself out there more once things opened up and make some new, like-minded friends. I’m glad that joining the Young Fabians has done that!

What are your aims for the year ahead in your position?

Boosting engagement on platforms that have been more “up and coming” for sharing political content in the last few years, such as Instagram. I might even make the case for a YF TikTok! It would also be great to work with the regional networks more to streamline social content and ensure that central YF events are attended by members all over the UK.

If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?

Try to do something, anything, more than the last Prime Ministers have done, to free Nazanin-Zaghari Ratcliffe.

If you had to be stranded on a desert island with a Labour MP, who would it be and why?

Dan Jarvis. He’s ex-army so is well trained in survival techniques, so I think he would be my best hope of making it out alive.

Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or ten duck-sized horses, and why?

Ten duck-sized horses. I do a lot of barre workouts so think I could hop over them quite gracefully to make it easier.

You can contact Sarina on Twitter at @SarinaKiayani.