Emmy-winning Adolescence writer ready for ‘battle’ as newly elected WGGB president

JACK THORNE has vowed to fight against conservatism and risks to copyright in his new role as president of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB).

Thorne, who won two Emmys over the weekend for Netflix drama Adolescence, is known for work across film, TV, theatre and radio, including His Dark Materials, Help, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Calling the appointment “a huge honour”, Thorne said: “I think the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain is a union to be hugely proud of. I was proud of it from the outside, and I’m delighted to now fight for it from the inside.

“And I do think we’re about to be in the battle of our lives. The landscape for writers is brutal right now, and the conservatism that has crept into commissioning is vital to combat.

“But more than all that, there are people coming after our copyright, vultures who’d steal it to put into their machines, and we need to make sure the government is robust in defending us.”

Throne takes up the position immediately, succeeding SANDI TOKSVIG, who has held the position for six years.

Toksvig commented: “As I hang up my president’s hat, I would like to pay tribute to every activist who I’ve been proud to walk alongside, and to all who sail the good ship WGGB. Unions are precious and more important than they have ever been; we must hold on to them tight. It’s been a privilege to serve, and I wish my successor Jack Thorne the very best – I know he’ll make a huge success of it.”