Never mind the ballots: here's Battle of Ideas North
Our one-day event on Saturday 7 March in Manchester is a fantastic opportunity to debate the state of the nation away from the concerns of the Westminster bubble.
Tired of the scandal and sleaze of the Westminster bubble? Join us at the Battle of Ideas North, produced by the Academy of Ideas, bringing debate away from Westminster and up to Manchester.
In this video, I explain why we’re hosting Battle of Ideas North – and why you should should come along. It’s especially important that these sort of regional / local conversations take place, now that public outcry has forced Keir Starmer’s government to do another U-turn and has at last cancelled their anti-democratic plan to postpone local elections. Having failed to deny millions of voters a say at the ballot box, it’s now urgent that we have a say in deciding what really matters politically.
Battle of Ideas North is a good place to start. Full details below. See you on 7 March in Manchester.
Claire
INTRODUCTION
The old parties are decaying; we’ve never been less trustful of Westminster; the nation feels broken. It’s time to bring political discussion away from its rotting core and return it to the people, to reinvigorate politics through new ideas and difficult discussions.
Nothing better conveys the need for Battle of Ideas North than Westminster’s focus on Gorton and Denton - not on the desires and concerns of the people who live there, but on which party can claim victory in the coming by-election.
The Battle of Ideas festival prides itself on audience participation. Our speakers frame debates to stimulate ideas and questions, but then it’s over to you. We convene conversations for the public, with the public, in public. So, if you are prepared to be inquisitive about ideas, open-minded and engaged – but are not scared to be challenged – then join the discussion.
Tickets are selling fast, but there is still time to secure your place and have your say. Interested in what is going on? Take a look at our website for more information. Or find our tickets on Eventbrite, with discounts for students, concessions and Academy of Ideas associates.
SESSIONS
SPEAKERS INCLUDE
Dr Remi Adekoya · Ada Akpala · Sean Matthew Corby · Rosamund Cuckston ·
Alastair Donald · Denise Fahmy · Claire Fox · Emma Gilland · Maeve Halligan ·
Jonathan Hinder MP · Dr Cheryl Hudson · Bethany Hutchison · Dr Richard Johnson · Joan Kennedy · Dr Philip Kiszely · Stephen Knight · Dr Lisa McKenzie · Rob Lyons ·
Sebastian Moore · Sara Morrison · Andy Preston · Jacob Reynolds · Hilary Salt · Connie Shaw · Graham Stringer MP · Barry Wall · Jake Weston · Ella Whelan · Austin Williams · Dr Joanna Williams · Charlie Winstanley · and more…
TICKETS
Standard: £30
Academy of Ideas associates / paid Substack subscribers: £25
Concessions: £20
Academy of Ideas associates / paid Substack subscribers (concessions): £15
Full-time students: £10
Buy tickets via Eventbrite.
ANY QUESTIONS?
For all enquiries about Battle of Ideas North, including programme information, partnership opportunities, or to volunteer, please email Geoff Kidder.
SPREAD THE WORD
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