Immigration Minister to speak on 'The Challenges to Immigration Policy'

Canterbury Christ Church University's Making Politics Matter campaign kicks off with a new series of public debates next month, starting with local MP Damian Green.

Mr Green, MP for Ashford and Minister for Immigration, will speak on the challenges to the current immigration policy, followed by an open question and answer session.

Dr David Bates, the University’s Director of Politics and International Relations, said: “We are ...delighted that Mr Green has agreed to talk on this hotly contested topic.

“As the General Election demonstrated, immigration is an issue which ranks highly in the electorate’s priorities, but it is rarely the case that this topic is debated in an informed fashion. Making Politics Matter will seek to redress this, through a free and open discussion.”

The Making Politics Matter campaign was launched in 2006. It seeks to engage the general public with political debate on a range of key topics, and help to tackle the apparent low level of trust which people feel towards their political representatives.

‘Have your say – Immigration’ takes places on Thursday, 6 October, 2011, 6.30pm, at The Old Sessions House, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, CT1 1QU.

The event is free to attend and open to all.

For more information on this event, or future Making Politics Matter events please email: politics@canterbury.ac.uk

Religion and Public Life: The Big Debate

Making Politics Matter (MPM) is pleased to invite you to our first major debate of the academic year, Religion and Public Life.

This debate is being held as part of the Economic and social Research Council's week long national Festival of Social Sciences. This debate will draw on social scientific knowledge, asking challenging questions about religion, faith and politics.

Key speakers at this debate will include Professor David McLellan, distinguished Professor of Political Theory; Dr Alexandre Christoyannopoulos, Lecturer in politics and international relations at Loughborough University; and The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling, Dean at Chichester Cathedral.

The event will take place on Saturday 29th October 2011 from 10 am till 1 pm, at Augustine House, Rhodaus Town, Canterbury Christ Church University, CT1 2YA. Everybody is welcome, with no need to book.

Find out more by emailing politics@canterbury.ac.uk

All of us at MPM look forward to seeing you there.

27th April 2011: To AV or Not to AV?

To AV or Not to AV?

Come along, find out more, and ‘Have Your Say’

27 April, 2011 – 6.30pm

Location Canterbury Christ Church University, Old Sessions House, North Holmes Campus, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU


Canterbury Christ Church University’s Making Politics Matter initiative is proud to host this event, just one week before the 5 May referendum on electoral reform. Dr David Bates, Director of Politics and International Relations at the Christ Church University, said:

‘The debate concerning electoral reform is perhaps THE constitutional issues of our time. Yet the discussion concerning the alternatives proposed does not seem to have been so active. We are delighted in a modest way to redress this. This is a great opportunity to promote public debate on this key political issue, which goes to the heart of our representative democracy. ’


The event will explore important questions such as:

• How ‘democratic’ is our political system?

• Which is the ‘most democratic’ – AV vs. First Past the Post?

• Are there any other alternatives, ones better than those being offered at the referendum on May 5th


The main speakers at the event are a ‘local lad’, Daniel Hamilton who is Director of the civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch. Daniel attended Simon Langton Grammar School for boys, and John Ault, North West Director of ‘Yes to Fairer Votes’.

The Debate will be chaired by Dr Mark Bennister, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Canterbury Christ Church University.

For further information, email: politics@canterbury.ac.uk


About the Speakers:

“John Ault is North West Director of ‘Yes to Fairer Votes’. John worked for the Liberal Democrats for 9 years, has a great deal of experience in fighting and winning elections. Having been agent in South East Cornwall in 1997, winning with a 12% swing, he went on to be Campaigns Officer for the North West, and then Campaigns Manager for the Welsh Assembly elections in 2003. He was co-author of The Liberal Democrat Campaign Manual, and was Director of Simon Hughes MP's successful Presidential campaign. John has also been a candidate for parliamentary and European parliamentary elections. A car fan, John has also appeared on BBC’s Top Gear programme. In a race between representatives of various parties, John was triumphant. Indeed, a rumour even has it that he may be the new ‘Stig’.”

"Daniel Hamilton is Director of the civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch. He was previously the Head of European Insight at the leading opinion polling and political research firm ComRes where he specialised in elections across the world. He worked in both the House of Commons and European Parliament and is a regular commentator on foreign affairs issues, particularly focussing on foreign conflict zones and the politics of Kosovo and Brazil. A graduate in Politics and International Relations from Royal Holloway University of London, he attended the Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury."

29th October 2010: "We're in a crisis - get us out of here!: tackling the economic and environmental crises - the way forward"

"We're in a crisis - get us out of here!: tackling the economic and environmental crises - the way forward"


Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the South East Region

6.30pm, Friday October 29 Old Sessions House


Canterbury Christ Church University’s series of political debates continues with a talk by Keith Taylor MEP from the Green Party. The event is part of the “Making Politics Matter” initiative, in which well known local and national politicians discuss key issues and encourage public debate.
Dr David Bates, Programme Director of Politics and International Relations stated: “It has been argued not least by President Obama that the green economy might be a key to lifting America and Europe out of their current financial difficulties. There are few more pressing issues than the ecological and the financial crisis – and few issues which are more politically charged. Making Politics Matter welcomes everyone to this important event.”
The debate will begin at 6.30 pm on Friday 29 October at the University’s Old Sessions House lecture theatre, North Holmes Rd, Canterbury, and is open to all.


ABOUT THE SPEAKER

European Parliament
Keith sits on the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), the Committee on International Trade (INTA) and the Committee on Petitions (PETI). He is a full member of the Parliamentary delegation to Afghanistan, and a substitute member of the Iran and Palestine delegations. Keith is also Vice President of the UK’s Local Government Association Group in the European Parliament – and a member of the Intergroup on LGBT Rights.


Political Background
Keith was a Green Party councillor for St Peter’s & North Laine ward in Brighton and Hove for 11 years, having been elected in 1999. He served as leader of the Council’s Green group from 2001, and on the council planning committee for two years.

In his role as councillor, Keith worked on a huge range of campaigns and case work. He was instrumental in the successful campaign to secure the release of Brighton resident Omar Degayes from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. He was a representative for Brighton and Hove on the UN Peace Messenger City project and a City representative to the Local Government Association.

Keith also helped to secure a High Court victory for families with severely autistic children – overturning a council decision in the process.

Keith was a Principal Speaker for the Green Party of England & Wales between 2004 and 2006, before the party adopted a single leader structure. He has been a Green spokesperson on planning and regeneration, has led the development of the party’s manifesto, and has a history of outstanding performance in local and European Parliament elections.

Keith worked for Green Party leader Dr Caroline Lucas MEP for five years as her Regional Liaison Officer, gaining a thorough knowledge of the South East region and developing regional economic policy.

27th May 2010: 'Crisis in Local Democracy? The media, politics and public opinion in Kent'

'Crisis in Local Democracy? The media, politics and public opinion in Kent'
The relationship between local politics and regional media will be explored in a public debate at Canterbury Christ Church University on Thursday 27 May, 2010.

The event: 'Crisis in Local Democracy? The media, politics and public opinion in Kent', will see an open debate between local journalists, editors, bloggers as well as key local politicians.

Confirmed speakers include Trudy Dean (Leader of Liberals in KCC), Graham Gibbens(Conservative Councillor), Simon Long-Price (BBC South East), Maureen Tomison (Chair and Chief Executive of Politics Europe Ltd, former Labour Parliamentary Candidate), Leo Whitlock (editor KM Group).

Dr David Bates, Director of Politics and International Relations at Canterbury Christ Church University said: "The media can have a huge impact on our political views, as we have seen in recent weeks. But how good is the media at holding politicians to account? Has the internet changed the way in which we gain our knowledge of politics? And what impact will this have on traditional news media, and indeed our local democracy?"

The debate continues the University's 'Making Politics Matter' campaign, an initiative aiming to engage the population of Kent more effectively with political debate. The event is being co-hosted by Christ Church's Department of Media.

Co-organiser, Dr Ágnes Gulyás, Principal Lecturer at the Department of Media said "Our research show that regional and local media are going through a transformation because of technological changes, market developments and the economic crisis. In such turbulent times it is important to consider the impact these changes will have on platforms for local debates."

The event will take place at 6.30pm-9pm, at Canterbury Christ Church University's Powell Lecture Theatre, North Holmes Campus. It is free to attend and open to all members of the public. Refreshments will be provided.

If you would like to attend, please email: politics@canterbury.ac.uk

YouTube: Meet the Candidates

29th April: '2010 General Election - Meet the Candidates'

Local parliamentary candidates for Canterbury and Whitstable will be
taking part in their very own head-to-head debate next week, prior to next month's general election.

The public debate, '2010 General Election - Meet the Candidates', has been organised jointly with the Making Politics Matter campaign at Canterbury Christ Church University and Canterbury and District Inter-Faith Action (CANDIFA).

The event will bring together the constituency's parliamentary candidates to voice their views in a debate based around the theme of 'The UK and the Wider World'.

Dr David Bates, Director of Politics and International Relations at Canterbury Christ Church University said: "This is one of the most exciting general elections in a long time. This event will allow the public to get to know more about their local candidates, and decide who they wish to represent them.

"We are pleased to be working together with Canterbury and District Inter-Faith Action to host this event at Canterbury Christ Church University."

Richard Norman, Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Kent will chair the debate. The local parliamentary candidates taking part are:

Anne Belsey - Money Reform
Julian Brazier - Conservative
Howard Farmer - United Kingdom Independence
Geoff Meaden - Green
Jean Samuel - Labour
Guy Voizey - Liberal Democrat

The political debate will take place on Thursday 29 April, 6.30pm, at Canterbury Christ Church University's Old Sessions House, North Holmes Campus. It is free to attend and open to the all members of the public.

Guests attending the debate are also invited to stay for the screening of the final Leaders Debate at 8.30pm.

17th March 2010

ESRC – MAKING POLITICS MATTER

Crunch or crisis?
Turbulent times for the British economy

How serious was the recent economic crisis?

How did it come about?

With Britain’s recession apparently at an end, is this crisis really over?

How are we likely to feel its effects in the future?

Come along and participate in this debate, which will bring together the general public, social scientists, and those ‘in the know’.



Chair:
Professor Richard Scase, author of Global Remix: The Fight for Competitive Advantage. Professor Scase is a frequent contributor to radio and television. He also has a regular column in the Kentish Gazette.



What can social science tell us about the financial crisis?


Dr Gioia Pescetto (Dean, Faculty of Business and Management, Canterbury Christ Church)

The recent crisis was not merely the consequence of market failure, but rather of systemic failure. This talk will maintain that risk is central to an effectively functioning financial system, but that such risk needs to be understood in order to be managed.


Professor Chris Pickvance (Professor of Urban Studies, University of Kent)

Effective reform to the banking system can only be achieved if the current capture of government and regulators by the banking industry is challenged. A widespread public debate is required in which most of the ways the banking system has operated until now need to be questioned.



Voices from the public and private sectors:


Richard Ascough (Secretary of the GMB Southern Region)
A key argument will be that public service workers ought not to have to suffer for an economic crisis that was not their making. Why should the tax payers take the pain, while the bankers take the gain?

Roger House (Chair, Federation of Small Business, South Eastern Policy Unit)

It will be argued that small businesses – and particularly ‘micro-businesses’ are essential to the recovery of the British economy. Accordingly, government ought not to stifle these small businesses with time-consuming, costly bureaucracy.



‘Crunch or crisis? Turbulent times for the British economy’ will take place on Wednesday 17 March, 7pm, at Augustine Hall, Augustine House, Rhodaus Town, Canterbury Christ Church University, CT1 2YA and is open to all. For further information please email: politics@canterbury.ac.uk

26th February with Jean Samuel

4th March: Michael Foster MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities

'Equality: What it Means for You.'

Canterbury Christ Church University's series of political debates continues with Mr Michael Foster MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities.

Mr Foster's talk on Thursday 4th March is the fourth in a series of
public debates which have featured the PPCs and the current MP for Canterbury and Whitstable. It is part of the 'Making Politics Matter' campaign, in which well known local and national politicians discuss key issues and encourage public debate.

Mr Foster's talk is entitled 'Equality: What it means for you'. Dr David Bates, Programme Director of Politics and International Relations stated: 'The issue of equality is going to be central to the upcoming General Election. We look forward to hearing what Michael Foster has to say about what is a highly contested topic.'
James Dee, President of the 'Making Politics Matter' Initiative, said: 'We are very fortunate to have such a well regarded politician to come to Canterbury Christ Church and give a talk on a topic that has such importance to people from all walks of life. It is going to be an informative, lively and stimulating evening for all'.

The debate will begin at 7pm, at the University's Old Sessions House lecture theatre, North Holmes Rd, Canterbury, and is open to all.

About Michael Foster
Michael Foster was first elected as Member of Parliament for Hastings and Rye on the 1st of May 1997. He was appointed Government Minister for Equalities in June 2009.
Born and educated in Hastings he married his wife, Rosemary, in 1969. They have two sons, five grandchildren, and live in Wishing Tree Road, St Leonards on Sea. A lifetime member of the Labour Party, he joined whilst still at school, and has been active in Local Government for over 30 years. Michael Foster was Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for the Hastings Constituency in the 1970s but did not stand again for Parliament until his successful bid in 1997. He retained the seat of Hastings and Rye in the General Election of June 2001 (with an increased majority) and again in 2005.
He is a Solicitor by profession and an Employment Law Specialist holding a Master of Laws Degree in Employment Law. He is a member of the Society of Labour Lawyers, the Christian Socialist Movement, the Fabian Society and Park Road Methodist Church in
St Leonards.
In terms of a Parliamentary career Michael Foster was Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Attorney General from 1997 to 2003 when he resigned as a result of the Iraq conflict. He also served on the Select Committee for Standards and Privileges from 1997 to 2003 and was appointed in 2005 to the Select Committee on Works and Pensions. In the June 2009 reshuffle he was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities.
He takes a special interest in Poverty issues, Equality issues, Animal Welfare and Climate Change. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant of the County in 1993, one of the
youngest appointed at that time.

17th March 2010: ESRC – Making Politics Matter

ESRC – MAKING POLITICS MATTER
Crunch or crisis?

Turbulent times for the British economy

How serious was the recent economic crisis?
How did it come about?
With Britain’s recession apparently at an end, is this crisis really over?
How are we likely to feel its effects in the future?

Come along and participate in this debate, which will bring together the general public, social scientists, and those ‘in the know’.



Part 1: What can social science tell us about the financial crisis?


Dr Gioia Pescetto (Dean, Faculty of Business and Management, Canterbury Christ Church University)

The recent crisis was not merely the consequence of market failure, but rather of systemic failure. This talk will maintain that risk is central to an effectively functioning financial system, but that such risk needs to be managed.


Professor Chris Pickvance (Professor of Urban Studies, University of Kent)

Effective reform to the economic system can only be achieved if the current capture of government and regulators by the banking industry is challenged. For reform to be a success, a widespread public debate is required.



Part 2: Voices from the public and private sectors


Richard Ascough (Secretary of the GMB Southern Region)

A key argument will be that public service workers ought not to have to suffer for an economic crisis that was not their making. Why should the tax payers take the pain, while the bankers take the gain?


Roger House (Chair, Federation of Small Business, South Eastern Policy Unit)

It will be argued that small businesses – and particularly ‘micro-businesses’ are essential to the recovery of the British economy. Accordingly, government ought not to stifle these small businesses with time-consuming, costly bureaucracy.



Thursday 17 March 2010
7pm-9pm

Augustine Hall
Augustine House
Canterbury Christ Church University
CT1 2YA

Refreshments provided

No need to book. Everybody welcome.

This event is part of the Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science and the Making Politics Matter initiative at Canterbury Christ Church University

26th February 2010: 'Have Your Say' Jean Samuel

Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Canterbury and Whitstable addresses ‘Making Politics Matter’

Jean Samuel, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Canterbury and Whitstable will give a public talk on Friday 26 February, 7pm as part of the Making Politics Matter initiative at Canterbury Chris Church University. Jean Samuel’s talk is entitled:


'Rights and Benefits of holding Personal Data– Balancing the Individual and Society'


From our DNA to our health records; from our credit rating to our party going the capacity to record, store use and share personal data is phenomenal. The mechanisms for regulating it lag behind.

Are you in control of your personal data?

Why would you ever share it - it's yours isn't it?

But if it can help you and others, why would you not?



Dr David Bates, Programme Director of Politics and International Relations at the University said: ‘We are delighted that Jean Samuel will be giving this talk at Making Politics Matter. This is clearly one of the most topical and contentious issues of our time – we look forward to hearing Jean Samuel’s views, and crucially, the views of the public.’


The event will begin at 7pm on Friday 26 February Old Sessions House, Longport, Canterbury Campus.


About Jean Samuel
Jean is Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate and is looking forward to fighting the seat in the next General Election.
She has lived in Whitstable with her husband since 1989 and her three children attended the local state primary school. Two are now in secondary education in Canterbury and the eldest is at university. Jean’s mother shared the family home until her recent death.
Jean has always worked, full or part time, and appreciates the challenges of being a good Mum, getting the best from child care while delivering at work. Jean has been school governor at three schools.
She started her career in the BBC’s archives in London then moved to work at Pfizer in Sandwich. More recently she has set up her own business as an Interim Manager. She is currently working for Schering-Plough She has also been Executive Director of a small local company specialising in information management.
Jean has been an active member of the Labour Party for over 20 years and at the BBC was ‘shop steward’ for her union branch and was active at Union conferences.
Jean’s late father was in the RAF for many years and she grew up in forces’ housing and her family routinely moved around the UK and she went to six different schools. The fifth of six children, she was a beneficiary of school meals, a state education and, later, a University grant. As a new member of the work force in London in the 1980s she lived in and helped run a Housing Co-operative in Deptford where housing issues sharpened her growing sense of social justice and what happens when people do not know their rights.
This background drives her political philosophy of balancing rights with responsibilities while supporting people to succeed by hard work and on merit. She is committed to Labour's goal ' to put power, wealth and opportunity in the hands of the many, not the few.'

21st January 2010 with Mr Guy Voizey

17th March 2010: ESRC Festival of Social Sciences

ESRC Festival of Social Sciences – Making Politics Matter

Crunch or Crisis? Turbulent Times for the British Economy

17 March 2010

7pm-9pm – Augustine Hall



• Are we experiencing a ‘credit crunch’, or a full blown financial crisis?
• Have you ever wondered about how the present economic situation came about?
• Are you concerned about how it might impact on you?


Come along and participate in this debate, which will bring together the general public, social scientists, and those ‘in the know’.

This event is organised by Making Politics Matter and Canterbury Christ Church University as part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science,


Confirmed Speakers include –

• Roger House (Regional Chair, Federation of Small Business – Kent and Medway)

• Richard Ascough (GMB)

• Dr Gioia Pescetto (Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, Canterbury Christ Church University)

• Professor Chris Pickvance (Professor of Urban Studies, University of Kent)



The event will be held in, Augustine Hall, Augustine House, Rhodaus Town, Canterbury Christ Church University, CT1 2YA.



All members of the public are welcome

For further details, email:
politics@canterbury.ac.uk

21st January 2010: 'Have Your Say' - Mr Guy Voizey

Mr Guy Voizey, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Canterbury and Whitstable will give a public talk on 21 January, 7pm as part of Making Politics Matter initiative at Canterbury Christ Church University. Mr Voizey’s talk is entitled:

‘Protecting civil liberties, abolishing tuition fees, preserving our environment: the relevance of Liberalism in the 21st century (or if the Liberal Democrats didn't exist, we'd have to invent them)’.

Mr Voizey’s talk is the second in the series of ‘Have Your Say’ events, and follows a talk and discussion by Mr Julian Brazier on the ‘Conservative Vision of Communities’.

The purpose of these events is to enable our politicians to engage in discussion with local members of the community on themes central to contemporary political debate.

Dr David Bates, Director of Politics and International Relations at the University said: ‘We are pleased that Guy Voizey is giving a talk to Making Politics Matter. The issues on which Mr Voizey will talk concern all of us. Ought education to be free at the point of demand? What future do we want for our children, and indeed our children’s children? Are civil liberties undergoing a fundamental erosion, as we enter a so-called ‘age of fear’? These and other issues will form the topic I am sure of a lively debate – so come along and have your say.


The event will begin at 7pm, Old Sessions House, Longport, Canterbury Campus.


About the speaker:
A resident of Whitstable, Guy has lived in East Kent for most of his life. His first job on leaving school was in Canterbury - his hardest was picking beans on a farm in Ickham.
For five years after leaving university, Guy taught Economics and Politics to A level students at a school in Surrey. He has been working as a financial journalist for the last eight years, providing advice to international companies on all aspects of corporate finance.
Guy's main political interests are education, business and the economy and international development. On education, Guy feels too many young people are ignored by the mainstream education system. He wants schools and colleges to be allowed more flexibility in the programmes they run. He also believes government should do more to support lifelong learning.
As part of a small business, Guy sees at first hand how some government red-tape acts to stifle our small business sector. Guy also believes strongly that the UK has a duty to support the less developed economies, especially by reducing the barriers to international trade.
Away from politics, Guy enjoys playing and watching sport, especially hockey and cricket. He is a qualified hockey umpire.

Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury Christ Church University has, since its foundation by the Church of England as a teacher training college in 1962, developed a wide range of taught programmes, research and educational services. It continues to be the largest centre of higher education in Kent for the major public services.
The University now has over 15,500 students based in five Faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, Education, Health and Social Care, Social and Applied Sciences. Our 1,500 staff contribute to the University’s work at our five campuses: Canterbury, Broadstairs, Folkestone (in partnership with the Creative Foundation and the University of Greenwich), Medway (in partnership with the Universities of Greenwich and Kent with Mid-Kent College) and Tunbridge Wells.
In so doing we seek to sustain the University’s Mission:
‘Inspired by the University’s Church of England Foundation and the aspirations of its students and staff, our mission is to pursue excellence in academic and professional higher education thereby enriching both individuals and society.’

4th December: Julian Brazier, MP for Canterbury and Whitstable

On the 4th December, MPM welcomed Mr Julian Brazier, MP for Canterbury and Whitstable, as part of their Speaker Event series for this academic year. The event was a huge success and generated a lot of interest from those who came to hear Mr Brazier speak on teh topic of 'A Conservative Vision for Communities'. Here are some photos from the event!

4th December - Julian Brazier MP

4th December 2009 Event - Julian Brazier MP

MP sets out ‘A Conservative Vision for Communities’.

On 4 December 7pm, Mr Julian Brazier, MP for Canterbury and Whitstable will address the Making Politics Matter initiative at Canterbury Christ Church University. Mr Brazier’s talk will set out ‘A Conservative Vision for Communities’, after which he will take open questions from the public audience.
Mr Brazier’s talk is part of a series of Making Politics Matter events in which eminent local and national politicians engage with key political issues in order to encourage political debate and discussion. Past speakers have included Sharon Bowles, MEP, Damien Green, MP, and Gwyn Prosser, MP.
Dr David Bates, Director of the University’s Politics and International Relations degrees said: ‘we are delighted that Mr Brazier has agreed to address Making Politics Matter. Given that it is often argued that contemporary politics is lacking moral and philosophical direction, we are especially pleased that Mr Brazier has chosen to address the theme of the ‘Conservative vision for communities.’
The event is free and is open to all local residents and the media. It will take place at the University’s Old Sessions House lecture theatre, Longport, Canterbury.
If you are a member of the public, and would like to attend this event, you do not need book. If you are a member of the media and would like to attend, please contact Canterbury Christ Church University’s Media Relations Officer.

About the speaker:
Julian Brazier was elected to Parliament for Canterbury and Whitstable in 1987. He has campaigned on a wide range of issues, including those relating to defence and the role of the family. In 1996 he won The Spectator Parliamentary Backbencher of the Year Award for campaigns defending marriage and children’s interests. He is the founding Co-Chairman of the All Party Adoption Group, and in 2005 was appointed Shadow Transport Minister with responsibility for aviation and shipping. As The Spectator magazine writes: ‘When a minister hears that Julian Brazier is taking a keen interest in a piece of legislation, he sends for a parliamentary draughtsman and pours himself a stiff whisky.’

22nd May - Student Fees: The Big Debate

7th May - Obama; Looking back on the first 100 days

3rd March - Free Trade vs. Fair Trade

Free Trade vs. Fair Trade debate

Coinciding with Fair Trade Fortnight, Canterbury Christ Church University's 'Making Politics Matter' initiative is staging a debate on Tuesday 3rd March 2009 which explores the complex argument surrounding the issues of free trade and fair trade.

The event, entitled ‘Free Trade versus Fair Trade’, will feature key note speeches by Alec Van Gelder of the International Policy Network and Nick Hunt of the Fair Trade Network. It is part of the University’s ‘Making Politics Matter’ campaign which aims to get members of the public interested and involved in politics by inviting eminent politicians to engage with the local community on a number of prominent political issues.

Senior Lecturer of Politics at Canterbury Christ Church University, David Bates, said: “There is a great deal of talk about free trade and fair trade in the current media. This debate aims to shed some light on these loaded terms and provide an opportunity for debate on a set of increasingly important contemporary concerns: Is free trade really free? Is fair trade really fair? And are the two fundamentally incompatible?”

The event will be held at the University’s Old Sessions House Lecture Theatre, Longport, Canterbury. The talk is open to all members of the public and no advance reservation is required. Those who attend are asked to get to the University by 4.45pm for a 5pm start.

13th February: Gwyn Prosser MP

13th February - Gwyn Prosser MP