The Boy with the Knapsack: An Extraordinary Life, from the Kindertransport to the House of Lords

From the Kindertransport to the House of Lords, one of Britain's best-loved political figures reflects on the last eight decades.

Escaping the Nazis to arrive in Britain as a child refugee, growing up in 1950s Manchester, and making it to London in time for the swinging 60s; by the time Alf Dubs reached adulthood, he'd already lived a remarkable life. But nobody could have predicted what happened next.

Selected as a candidate for the Labour Party, Dubs campaigned for Labour through the tumultuous politics of the 1970s, eventually winning the seat of Battersea South in time for the Thatcher era. After nearly a decade in opposition, he entered the House of Lords in 1994 and later served under Tony Blair as a Minister for Northern Ireland during the Troubles. A lifelong champion of human rights, in 2016 the Dubs Amendment was passed in response to the migrant crisis. Respected across political parties, to this day at the age of 93, Dubs continues to campaign for the rights of child refugees from his seat in the House of Lords.

The Boy With The Knapsack is one man's life story, but it is also a fascinating first-hand account of Britain over the last eight decades, and a reminder of the values of decency and humanity that unite us.



About the Author :
Alf Dubs is one of the most notable figures in the current House of Lords, respected by colleagues from across the political spectrum. He came to the UK at the age of six on the Kindertransport, fleeing Nazi persecution in Czechoslovakia, and arrived at Liverpool Street station in June 1939. MP for Battersea South and then Battersea from 1979-1987, Alf was also Director of the Refugee Council for seven years before becoming a Labour life peer in 1995. He served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 1997-1999, at the time the Good Friday Agreement.

He has been a tireless advocate for refugee rights throughout his career, steering the Dubs' Amendment on unaccompanied child refugees through Parliament in 2016, and today he continues to campaign on issues as diverse as human rights, integrated education in Northern Ireland, closer relations with the EU, and House of Lords reform.



Review :
'From arriving in the UK as a child refugee, to helping shape the Good Friday Agreement and campaigning tirelessly for vulnerable people, Alf's story reminds us that politics, at its best, is about changing lives. His humanity, decency and commitment to public service shine through every page' 'Principled, steely, wise and warm - as wonderful as the writer' 'An uplifting and inspiring life story' 'Alf tells his story from deadly peril in childhood to lifelong productive public service. It is a remarkable tale of our times, of humanity and resilient purpose, told with truth and telling insights. An exceptional read' 'Often moving, palpably sincere and wonderfully unself-important, Alf Dubs tells a compelling story that not only illuminates one man's extraordinary life and times, but serves as a salutary reminder of our shared humanity'