Events

Battle for Politics

Institute of Ideas
Goodenough College, Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1N 2AB, UK
20 March 2010 - 9.45am-6pm

A pre-election public summit and satellite conference of the Battle of Ideas festival, which features thought-provoking debate and makes a virtue of free thinking and the lively exchange of views.

Party politics no longer seems to be about clear ideological differences, or indeed any kind of substantial debate reflecting competing visions for a better society. Nonetheless, many pressing issues remain unresolved. History has not gone on standby, but continues to throw up new challenges. This event is aimed at anyone who is serious about trying to understand the challenges and opportunities presented and revealed by the forthcoming UK General Election. Most importantly, it will be a forum where ideas can be argued for and fought over without constraint.

This event will incorporate a debate entitled Evidence-Based Policy: Are Politicians Evading Responsibility by Hiding Behind Science?, featuring Dr Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon and a key figure in debate around the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008) and Jeremy Webb (editor-in-chief of New Scientist) on its panel of speakers.

Attendance fees range from £10 to £20. To register, use this online form or contact Geoff Kidder at or on +44 (0)20 7269 9224.

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Find out more about fertility/embryology regulation in Human Fertilisation and Embryology: Reproducing Regulation, coedited by BioNews Contributing Editor Dr Kirsty Horsey (buy this book from Amazon UK or Amazon USA); and find out more about genetics in The Rough Guide to Genes and Cloning, coauthored by BioNews Contributing Editor Dr Jess Buxton (buy this book from Amazon UK or Amazon USA).

Further details of this event are available on the Battle of Ideas website.