Speaking exclusively with the Mirror at tonight’s star-studded Pride of Britain Awards, Jess Phillips MP about why the very special ceremony always leaves her in floods
Before sitting down for a glittering evening at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards, Jess Phillips took a moment to reflect on what the ceremony means to her, and why she won’t be getting “really, really drunk” this evening.
In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, the parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls spoke of how the winners give her hope that “the world can change on a micro and macro level”, even in the face of so much grim news.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, famous faces from all sorts of glamorous disciplines turned up in all their finery for the 26th year of the annual awards ceremony. But as pointed out by Phillips, 44, it’s those unsung heroes whose extraordinary accomplishments continue to inspire year after year who are the real stars. And it’s likely there won’t be a dry eye in the house as their tales of bravery and overcoming adversary against all odds are told.
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Chatting with the Mirror at the star-spangled drinks reception, Phillips spoke with enthusiasm for the long-running awards ceremony, which holds a special place in the hearts of so many.
Phillips told us: “I have been coming for about five years and I just get really teary. These are the people who should be celebrated. I am more interested in these people than the ones who wear the fancy frocks.” I don’t know the stories yet, so it is all going to be completely new to me. Every year, I just can’t believe the human endevour and selflessness, people have invented things that have changed thousands of peoples lives.
“I think it is really important. We celebrate a lot of goff in our world, there are huge amount of celebration of things that don’t matter. It is really nice to come to events where it is about peoples actual lives.”
She continued: “It is always nice to feel positive. most of the time, most output in the country makes people feel a little bit bleak. so it is always good to celebrate. I wouldn’t carry on in politics if I didn’t think the world would change. Coming to events like this, actually the world can change on a micro and macro level.”
Of course, parliamentary work never stops, and Phillips won’t be free to dance the night away with celebs and a bottle of fizz. Sharing her plans for the rest of her packed evening, Phillips admitted: “I just cry, I will cry then I will go back to the House of Commons because we have got 14 votes at 11 at night. So I will be at the House of Commons till 2am. What I won’t do tonight is get really, really drunk but I will still cry.”
Winners this year include fundraisers, campaigners, children who have overcome amazing odds and everyday heroes who have risked their own lives to save others. Make sure to keep up with all the action of the night here
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