Meet Brendan Murphy: English and philosophy undergrad, avid traveler, and author of dozens of UK Parliamentary speeches, motions, and letters.
What is it like to influence real-time policy behind the scenes—all as an undergraduate student? Brendan Murphy (English, Philosophy ’27) spent three months as a ghostwriter for the UK’s Parliament and experienced their legislative process firsthand. As an author of speeches, parliamentary motions, letters, and other political materials, Murphy worked closely with parliamentarians, experienced politicians, and fellow interns to help keep the well-oiled machine of Parliament running. Murphy’s experience abroad not only deepened his understanding of international politics and humanitarian issues but also enriched his personal perspective, demonstrating the value of immersive experiences in shaping a well-rounded academic path.
Writing Speeches and Shaping Policy
Shortly after returning from his mission in Finland, Murphy received an email newsletter from BYU’s Freedom of Religion or Belief Club advertising a rare opportunity: an internship with Parliament that urgently needed filling. Murphy immediately applied and secured the position. “I love London,” Murphy says. “It’s my favorite place on Earth. And this [opportunity] was perfect for what I want to do. It combined a lot of my academic interests and professional goals.”
While in London, Murphy worked primarily with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), a group that has 180 members from all of the UK’s political parties who advocate for the freedom of religion as a basic human right. Murphy spent a majority of his time writing speeches and parliamentary motions for politicians to present in front of the UK’s supreme legislative body. These speeches and motions didn’t just function as fleeting presentations—they directly influenced the legislation passed on the freedom of religion, meaning Murphy got to make his own contributions to a lasting legacy in Parliament.
Just looking up at Big Ben every day as I walked [to work] was surreal.
Murphy received mentorship from Welsh citizen and fellow Latter-day Saint Julie Jones. An advocate for interfaith representation, Jones helped guide Murphy through the unfamiliar territory of Parliament throughout the duration of his time in London. Murphy says he enjoyed immersing himself in politics—both as a working professional and as an observer. “International development concerns are super interesting to me,” he says, “and it was so cool to be able to see how that works firsthand in a Western government.” As a ghostwriting intern, Murphy gained special access to parliamentary meetings, events, and procedures, which he says helped him improve both his professional writing and communication skills.
Despite all the good, experiences like Murphy’s don’t come without their challenges. Due to the subject matter he wrote about, Murphy often felt the weight of the humanitarian and religious crises that occur across the globe. “It is emotionally tolling that, literally every day, you’re either writing or hearing about [religious] people dying and being abused all across the world.” Despite hearing about heavy things, Murphy appreciates seeing those issues addressed from within Parliament and participating in efforts to legislatively combat them.
Broadening Horizons
As he worked in and explored London during the duration of his internship, Murphy found that meeting people from diverse backgrounds stood out as the highlight of his experience. He says, “The opportunity to work in Parliament was incredible. Just looking up at Big Ben every day as I walked [to work] was surreal.” In addition to his work life, Murphy took time to travel and explore not only London, but the surrounding English countryside. Together with other interns and friends from his ward, Murphy went to plays, football (soccer for Americans) games, and picturesque regions like the Cotswolds, a district of England known for its traditionally English architecture and landscapes. An avid traveler prior to his internship, Murphy’s time in London cemented his desire to further explore educational, professional, and recreational experiences abroad in the future.
Overall, Murphy values his participation in the internship because he got to broaden both his professional aspirations and personal outlook on life and education. He says, “Having practical knowledge of anything is effective,” he says. “And I think the more you can diversify your experiences, the more effective you'll be as an academic. If you want to be a good engineer and be good at your job, go learn a language or try new food, and you’ll be a better engineer. I firmly believe that.”
The Kennedy Center continually expands its offerings for London internships. Visit their website to find the right one for you!