46. Baroness Shami Chakrabarti
Champion of Liberty
Baroness Shami Chakrabarti has long been a leading voice for justice, fairness, and human rights in Britain. Born in 1969 in Harrow, London, she studied law at the London School of Economics before qualifying as a barrister. Her sharp intellect, combined with a deep commitment to equality, quickly set her apart as a formidable advocate.
Chakrabarti first entered the public eye through her role at Liberty, the civil rights organisation she joined in 2001. Just two years later, she became its Director, guiding the group through one of the most turbulent decades for civil liberties in modern British history. With the backdrop of the “War on Terror” and new security legislation, she became the public face of the fight for balance: protecting both national safety and individual freedoms. Her calm authority, coupled with her tireless campaigning, earned her widespread admiration across political divides.
During her time at Liberty, she was dubbed “the most effective public affairs lobbyist of the past 20 years” and regularly appeared on television and radio to advocate for fundamental rights. She became known for her unshakeable clarity — standing firm against overreach while reminding the public of the values that underpin democracy.
In 2016, Chakrabarti was made a life peer, joining the House of Lords as Baroness Chakrabarti of Kennington. There, she has continued her work, contributing to debates on justice, education, and equality. Her voice remains one of reason and compassion, always rooted in the belief that a fairer society benefits everyone.
Beyond politics, she has been an educator, author, and role model. Her book On Liberty (2014) is both a personal reflection and a rallying cry, reminding readers why rights matter. She has also supported countless initiatives aimed at empowering young people and widening access to justice.
Shami Chakrabarti’s career is a shining example of how determination and principle can shape the national conversation. For millions, she embodies the fight for fairness — a tireless champion of liberty in every sense.
