Don't let the fight for freedom go into hibernation! Forthcoming Living Freedom events
Living Freedom is discussing the gender divide that has emerged in politics – and having a Christmas party with a serious-but-fun balloon debate. PLUS: other freedom events over the coming weeks.
A guest post, republished from the Living Freedom Substack.
The battles over free speech that have dominated 2025 show little sign of letting up. The furore over a leaked memo from independent adviser Michael Prescott has confirmed ‘serious and systemic’ bias at the BBC, which operates a wide-ranging and censorious culture of ‘narrative control’. Last week, an employment tribunal judged that criticism of Islam is a protected belief under equalities law – a victory for free expression, even if no one ever seems to question whether free speech is really ‘free’ if it is conditional on being permitted by legislation.
All of which makes arming the next generation with the ideas to make the case for free speech even more important. Throughout the year, Living Freedom – the initiative organised by Ideas Matter for those aged 18 to 30 – has sought to explore all the key debates around freedom and free speech. Living Freedom operates according to the belief that every generation must renew freedom for its own times. And we’re not finished for the year yet! As we head towards Xmas, if you are young and keen to fight for freedom, join us for our final two events of the year, a discussion on the war of the sexes in politics and our annual Xmas balloon debate.
Alongside Living Freedom’s events, see below for a series of excellent events in November organised by some of our favourite partners, campaigners and media outlets. These include the new Battle Book Club – where the book under discussion will be Water by John Boyne, Together’s 4th anniversary bash, the Committee for Academic Freedom on the ongoing dilemmas of Covid lockdowns, and the big screen premiere in London of spiked’s excellent documentary Think Before You Post. Read on for more details – and don’t let freedom go into hibernation this winter!
Battle of the sexes: the new political divide?
London Freedom Forum, Monday 24 November, 6.30pm, Westminster
Today, over half a century on from the radical emergence of equality movements in 1960s, the growth of an ideological and social splintering between the sexes is frequently making headlines.
A recent report by Onward notes that, in line with international trends, the divide between men and women in the UK is growing, most evident amongst Gen Z. In the 2024 General Election, young women moved leftwards while young men drifted significantly to the right, with the former almost twice as likely to vote Green as young men, who in turn were twice as likely to vote Reform as young women. With Gen Z opting for more radical parties, political polarisation is deepening – and following gendered lines.
Perhaps the problem is social media, with young women tending to use TikTok and Instagram while young men tend towards X and podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience. Socially, Gen Z men and women are also said to be drifting apart. Women now outperform men in education, being more likely to attend university and get higher-paying jobs in their twenties. However, young women are also reportedly more stressed, more lonely and less satisfied with life, while fears over the ‘manosphere’ and toxic masculinity go hand-in-hand with a hardening sense of cultural antagonism and alienation between the sexes.
Some say lower levels of intimacy and sexual activity in Gen Z reflect a loss of emotional connection and long-term commitment. Others point to young men increasingly viewing themselves as ‘left behind’ and more resentful of feminism, equal rights and woke policies that they perceive as discriminating against them. Are political divisions ruining young people’s love lives, too?
Is this divide as alarming or deep-rooted as it seems? Could Gen Z’s polarisation be a passing phase? Or is the growing divide around the sexes now an issue to take seriously – perhaps in ways that class or racial divides might once have been addressed in the past? And when previously ideology or shared social experiences were used to overcome these divisions, what is the route forwards to find common ground between the sexes today?
SPEAKERS
Poppy Coburn
acting deputy comment editor, Daily Telegraph
Emma Gilland
project assistant, Ideas Matter; author, The Corona Generation
Nicholas Stephenson
researcher and data analyst, Onward
Jake Weston
project assistant, Academy of Ideas
REGISTER
This event is free, but please register using the form on our event page.
Living Freedom Xmas Bash Balloon Debate 2025
Thursday 11 December 2025, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Westminster
We would like to invite you to join us for a drink, some good company and a fun Xmas balloon debate.
What is the greatest representation of freedom in culture?
A panel of valiant freedom lovers will seek to convince you of their choice, whether a work of art or literature, a film, opera, play or song.
Each contestant will have just three minutes to present their case, followed by a round of questions from the audience. Then there is a vote, and the top three will be given an additional one minute to convince you to back their choice.
Which cultural representation of freedom – and its defender – deserves to stay in the balloon? You decide!
HOST
Alastair Donald
convenor, Living Freedom
This invitation-only gathering will take place in Westminster. We’ll send the venue details after you register.
What: Living Freedom Xmas Balloon Debate
When: Thursday 11 December 2025, 7:00pm-9.00pm
Where: Westminster
Entrance: Free
Register: use the form on our event page.
Panelists to be announced soon.
There are also a series of events in the next few weeks hosted by Living Freedom fellows.
Battle Book Club: John Boyne’s Water
Wednesday 12 November, 7pm, via Zoom
John Boyne’s Elements quartet—Water, Earth, Fire, and Air—was released as one volume but controversy over his gender-critical views led to backlash and the suspension of the Polari Prize. Our Book Club invites discussion on his writing instead, focusing on Water, where Vanessa Carvin, hiding from her past and her husband’s crimes, wrestles with guilt, morality, and whether it’s possible to wash away complicity and begin again, simply by changing your name.
The event will be hosted online from 7.00pm-8.30pm on Zoom. Hosted by Emma Gilland with an introduction from Ella Whelan. The event is free but please register via Eventbrite.
Together’s 4th Anniversary event
Sunday 16 November, Novotel London West, Hammersmith
Together is celebrating four years of fighting to take back democracy and advocating for a better future through freedom, free speech, public and accountability.
Speakers include: Baron Maurice Glasman, Lisa McKenzie, Laila Cunningham, Lord Tony Sewell CBE, Allison Pearson.
Under 25s get a free ticket with code: LIVINGFREEDOM
Or use the code BATTLE for a reduction of £4 off any ticket
Book tickets here.
The Covid Lockdowns: challenges, dilemmas and trade-offs
Wednesday 19 November, 6pm
Our friends at the Committee for Academic Freedom (CAF) are hosting a free public seminar at Worcester College, Oxford, on Wednesday 19 November, examining the trade-offs that defined Britain’s response to the biggest public health crisis in modern history.
The discussion will bring together Professor Sunetra Gupta (Oxford University), Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL), historian Toby Green (King’s College London) and medical historian Mark Honigsbaum (City, University of London), with molecular biologist Dr Güneş Taylor (Francis Crick Institute) as the chair.
Book your free ticket here.
Spiked exclusive screening: Think Before You Post
Tuesday 25 November, Rich Mix cinema, London
Spiked is holding an exclusive early screening of their new documentary, Think Before You Post, followed by a live Q&A with members of the spiked team and those at the centre of the story. The event is taking place at 7pm on Tuesday 25 November at the Rich Mix cinema, near Liverpool Street, London.
This event offers a discount for spiked supporters. Book your tickets here.
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