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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Free Speech Union
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201102T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201102T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230415T122432Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230415T142452Z
UID:10000001-1604343600-1604354400@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Stand-Up For Free Speech
DESCRIPTION:To relieve those lockdown blues we invite you to join us at an exclusive comedy night\, organised in association with those comedy free speech champions\, Comedy Unleashed. \nOur extra special comedians for the night are: \n\nAndrew Lawrence\nSimon Evans\nNick Dixon\n\nWith the superb Dominic Frisby as MC. \n\n\n\n\nLaugh – Eat – Drink! \nDue to government Covid regulations\, only single households / people in a support bubble can come together. So\, we are selling tickets for tables of 4\, tables of 2 and two seats next to each other (without a table). \nThe venue has a responsibility to check that anyone in your group is from a single household / support bubble and they have the right to turn anyone away\, without a refund. \n\n4 person table includes 1 pizza and one bottle of wine or 4 pint jug of beer (£100)\n2 person table includes 1 pizza and one bottle of wine or 4 pint jug of beer (£60)\n2 seats together includes 1 pizza and one bottle of wine or 4 pint jug of beer (£55)\n\nYou can decide on your pizza and drink choice when you arrive. More food and drink can be purchased in the venue. \nPlease arrive by 7pm with the other people from your group and you will be seated together. \nMasks must be worn until you are seated and when walking around the venue.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/stand-up-for-free-speech/
LOCATION:The Backyard Comedy Club\, 231 Cambridge Heath Rd\, London\, E2 0EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Live Comedy Specials
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EVB1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201103T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201103T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230415T124553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230415T142419Z
UID:10000003-1604430000-1604440800@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Stand-Up For Free Speech
DESCRIPTION:To relieve those lockdown blues we invite you to join us at an exclusive comedy night\, organised in association with those comedy free speech champions\, Comedy Unleashed. \nOur extra special comedians for the night are: \n\nAndrew Lawrence\nSimon Evans\nNick Dixon\n\nWith the superb Dominic Frisby as MC. \n\n\n\n\nLaugh – Eat – Drink! \nDue to government Covid regulations\, only single households / people in a support bubble can come together. So\, we are selling tickets for tables of 4\, tables of 2 and two seats next to each other (without a table). \nThe venue has a responsibility to check that anyone in your group is from a single household / support bubble and they have the right to turn anyone away\, without a refund. \n\n4 person table includes 1 pizza and one bottle of wine or 4 pint jug of beer (£100)\n2 person table includes 1 pizza and one bottle of wine or 4 pint jug of beer (£60)\n2 seats together includes 1 pizza and one bottle of wine or 4 pint jug of beer (£55)\n\nYou can decide on your pizza and drink choice when you arrive. More food and drink can be purchased in the venue. \nPlease arrive by 7pm with the other people from your group and you will be seated together. \nMasks must be worn until you are seated and when walking around the venue.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/stand-up-for-free-speech-2/
LOCATION:The Backyard Comedy Club\, 231 Cambridge Heath Rd\, London\, E2 0EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Live Comedy Specials
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EVB2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210505T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210505T210000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230415T141013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230913T094632Z
UID:10000005-1620241200-1620248400@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Toby Young in conversation with author\, journalist and theatre critic\, Quentin Letts
DESCRIPTION:FSU members are invited to join us for an a conversation with author\, journalist and theatre critic Quentin Letts.\n\nQuentin has written for The Daily Telegraph\, Daily Mail\, Mail on Sunday\, and The Oldie.\n\nToby Young speaks to Quentin about his new book Stop Bloody Bossing Me About! and answers questions from the audience.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/toby-young-in-conversation-with-author-journalist-and-theatre-critic-quentin-letts/
LOCATION:Online Event: Zoom
CATEGORIES:Book Launches & Promotions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/QL2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211110T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211110T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230415T143109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230415T143109Z
UID:10000006-1636572600-1636581600@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Stand-Up For Free Speech
DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to announce that we’ll be hosting two comedy nights\, in association with Comedy Unleashed\, the home of free-thinking comedy. The line-ups are totally different on each night\, so feel free to come to both and bring your friends and family! \nIf you’re feeling full of early Christmas spirit\, please consider the ‘Ticket plus Donation’ option which will send us an extra £10 to help us keep on fighting for free speech into 2022 and beyond. \nOn Wednesday 10th November\, our superb comedians are: \n\nMC – Darius Davies\nTania Edwards\nNick Dixon\nPhileo Huff\nTony Law\n\n\n\n\n\nBar opens 6pm\, food served from 6.30pm. (Food and drink are NOT included in the ticket price). \nPlease arrive by 7pm. \nShow starts 7.30pm\, ends 10pm. \nNo refunds.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/stand-up-for-free-speech-3/
LOCATION:The Backyard Comedy Club\, 231 Cambridge Heath Rd\, London\, E2 0EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Live Comedy Specials
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EBC1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211114T103000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211114T163000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230415T143415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230416T112317Z
UID:10000007-1636885800-1636907400@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:The State of Free Speech in Scotland
DESCRIPTION:A one-day symposium aimed at bringing together people from diverse perspectives to discuss ‘The State of Free Speech in Scotland’. \nThe event is invitation-only so that participants can be assured others in the room are of like mind\, at least when it comes to the view that there is an urgent free speech problem to be addressed. We anticipate an audience of between 50 and 100 concerned individuals\, convening for a networking event with three panel-led discussions (details below). \nThe Chatham House Rule will apply. \n\nProgramme: \n10.30-11.00 Registration (it is Remembrance Sunday\, so the event will start at 11:05am). \n11.05-11.15 Welcome by Toby Young\, General Secretary\, the Free Speech Union. \n11.15-12.30 Why Scotland – what has happened to Enlightenment values? \nChair: \n\n\n\nAlastair Donald\, Associate Director\, Academy of Ideas.\n\n\n\nPanel: \n\n\n\nIain Macwhirter\, columnist for The Herald\, former Rector of the University of Edinburgh.\nIan Mitchell\, author of ‘The Justice Factory: Can the Rule of Law Survive in 21st Century Scotland?’\nJim Sillars\, former MP and SNP Deputy Leader.\nDr Asanga Welikala\, Director\, Edinburgh Centre for Constitutional Law\, Edinburgh Law School.\n\n\n\n12.30-13.30 Lunch \n13.30-14.45 Freedom of speech in education – fostering curiosity\, protecting intellectual freedom. \nChair: \n\n\n\nToby Young\n\n\n\nPanel: \n\n\n\nSam Bayliss\, undergraduate in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh and a Free Speech Champion.\nDr Shereen Benjamin\, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education in the Moray House School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh\, focusing on educational inequalities.\nAnn Henderson\, former Rector of the University of Edinburgh\, background in the trade union movement and women’s movement.\nDr Kirsty Miller\, psychologist with experience of all levels of the Scottish education system\, currently teaches in further and higher education\, member of Don’t Divide Us.\nDr Neil Thin\, Senior Lecturer in the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh\, focusing on happiness and social quality.\n\n\n\n14.45-15.00 Tea break \n15.00-16.15 From hate crime to compelled speech – what can be done? \nChair: \n\n\n\nDr Jan Macvarish\, Education and Events Director\, the Free Speech Union.\n\n\n\nPanel: \n\n\n\nMarion Calder\, Director of For Women Scotland.\nJoanna Cherry QC\, MP for Edinburgh South West.\nDr Stuart Waiton\, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology at Abertay University\, columnist for The Herald\, author of ‘Snobs’ Law: Criminalising Football Fans in an Age of Intolerance’.\n\n\n\n16.15 Closing remarks. \n16.30 Informal drinks in a local pub
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/the-state-of-free-speech-in-scotland/
LOCATION:Radisson Blu Hotel\, 80 High Street\, Edinburgh\, EH1 1TH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conferences & Symposiums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EVB3.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211215T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211215T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T100755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T101513Z
UID:10000008-1639596600-1639605600@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Stand-Up for Free Speech
DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to announce that we’ll be hosting two comedy nights\, in association with Comedy Unleashed\, the home of free-thinking comedy. The line-ups are totally different on each night\, so feel free to come to both and bring your friends and family! \nIf you’re feeling full of early Christmas spirit\, please consider the ‘Ticket plus Donation’ option which will send us an extra £10 to help us keep on fighting for free speech into 2022 and beyond. \nOn Wednesday 15th December\, our superb comedians are: \n\nMC: Dominic Frisby\nMark Dolan\nVanity Von Glow\nJoe Jacobs\nLeo Kearse\n\nBar opens 6pm\, food served from 6.30pm. (Food and drink are NOT included in the ticket price). \n\n\n\n\nPlease arrive by 7pm. \nShow starts 7.30pm\, ends 10pm. \nNo refunds.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/stand-up-for-free-speech-4/
LOCATION:The Backyard Comedy Club\, 231 Cambridge Heath Rd\, London\, E2 0EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Live Comedy Specials
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Comedy-Banner.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220301T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220301T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T101602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T111048Z
UID:10000009-1646159400-1646172000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:London Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:The first\, all-London Free Speech Meet-Up. A chance for members of the Free Speech Union\, and others of like mind\, to get together. \nJoin us in the Downstairs Bar at Walkers of Whitehall for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech. We’ll be there from 6.30pm\, with a few words from the General Secretary of the FSU\, Toby Young\, at around 7.15pm.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/london-speakeasy/
LOCATION:Walkers of Whitehall\, Downstairs Bar\, 15 Craig's Ct\, London\, SW1A 2DD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220317T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220317T213000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T111135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T111936Z
UID:10000010-1647543600-1647552600@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:FREE SPEECH: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media
DESCRIPTION:Join Jacob Mchangama\, author\, lawyer\, and founder and director of Justitia\, a Copenhagen-based think tank focusing on human rights\, freedom of speech and the rule of law\, as he introduces his new book\, Free Speech: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media. Following a short lecture\, Jacob will be joined in conversation by writer and director of Cieo Dr Joanna Williams and general secretary of the Free Speech Union\, Toby Young\, chaired by Claire Fox\, director of the Academy of Ideas. The discussion will be followed by a wine reception\, hosted by Basic Books. \n—————————- \nAbout the book \nFree speech is often hailed as the ‘first freedom’ and the bedrock of democracy. Free exchange of ideas underlies all intellectual achievement and has enabled the advancement of both freedom and equality worldwide. But free speech is also a challenging and even contentious principle that today is often considered to be under threat. \nIn his new book\, Free Speech: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media\, Jacob Mchangama traces the fluctuating history of this idea\, arguing that it is not enough to have free speech legally enshrined – it has to be culturally accepted too. While the desire to restrict speech has been a constant\, what are the threats from free-speech sceptics that we should worry about most today and how have they come to be? At a time when ideas\, language and even history itself are the target of contentious interventions to restrict the free exchange of ideas\, what can a wide-ranging historical perspective on free speech offer us in the contemporary battle to speak freely and challenge orthodoxies? \n——————– \nAbout the speakers \nJacob Mchangama is a lawyer\, human rights advocate and former external lecturer in human rights at the University of Copenhagen. He is the founder and director of Justitia\, a Copenhagen-based think tank focusing on human rights\, freedom of speech\, and the rule of law. His writings have appeared in a wide range of international outlets including The Economist\, The Washington Post\, Foreign Policy\, Foreign Affairs\, Politico\, The Wall Street Journal Europe\, El Pais\, France24\, Deutsche Welle\, and Al Jazeera. This book builds on his podcast ‘Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech’\, which has reached an audience of over 220\,000 unique listeners in more than 120 countries across the world. \nDr Joanna Williams is director of Cieo and author of Academic Freedom in an Age of Conformity. \nToby Young is general secretary of the Free Speech Union and associate editor of The Spectator. \nClaire Fox is director of the Academy of Ideas\, an independent peer in the House of Lords and author of I STILL Find That Offensive! \n————————- \nPraise for Free Speech: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media \nReaders on both the right and the left seeking insights into modern day debates over free speech will welcome this evenhanded and wide ranging history. Publishers Weekly \nFreedom of speech has emerged as a major issue of this decade\, but missing is the intellectual background… Jacob Mchangama lays out this context with deep erudition\, strong writing\, and a light touch. Steven Pinker \nThis outstanding book gets it in one: free speech\, as that right and privilege has been fought for and exercised as a key component of our always fragile democracies\, is currently experiencing the greatest threat imaginable. To learn exactly how and why\, and what we can do to eliminate or minimise this threat\, everyone needs to read this deeply researched and powerfully written\, truly global history covering everything from the face-to-face world of the ancient Greeks to our own\, very different world of anonymous digital media. Paul Cartledge\, A.G. Leventis Professor of Greek Culture\, emeritus\, University of Cambridge \n—————— \nAbout the event \nKeynote Lecture Theatre\, David Game College\, 31 Jewry Street\, London\, EC3N 2ET. Nearest tubes Aldgate (3 minutes walk) or Tower Hill (4 minute walk). \nDoor open 6.30pm \nLecture and discussion 7pm \nWine reception 8.30 – 9.15pm (complimentary glass with ticket). \nTickets are £10 waged/£5 concession. \nPLEASE BOOK EARLY\, WE ANTICIPATE SELLING OUT \nPromo codes have been sent to FSU Members and AoI Associates\, giving them a 20% discount\, please check your inbox and follow the link in the invitation email. \nRefunds are discretionary.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/free-speech-a-global-history-from-socrates-to-social-media/
LOCATION:David Game College\, 31 Jewry Street\, London\, EC3N 2ET\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Book Launches & Promotions,Guest Lectures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Jacob-Banner.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220421T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220421T213000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T113030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T113454Z
UID:10000011-1650569400-1650576600@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Why Free Speech Matters
DESCRIPTION:Please join us in Edinburgh on Thursday 21st April for a very special event to discuss\, Why Free Speech Matters \nInternationally renowned free speech advocate and author Jacob Mchangama will give a short lecture\, introducing his highly acclaimed new book\, Free Speech: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media. The evening will be hosted by Toby Young\, general secretary of the Free Speech Union. \nToby and Jacob will be joined by Joanna Cherry QC and MP and Jamie Gillies\, commentator and Free to Disagree campaigner\, to discuss the importance of free speech and how it can be defended today. After the lecture and discussion\, we will be unveiling some exciting news about the Free Speech Union’s activities in Scotland and what we’re intending to do to protect free speech in a nation where it’s becoming increasingly endangered. \nTHIS IS A SPECIAL EVENT FOR THE FREE SPEECH UNION AND GUESTS. DO FEEL FREE TO INVITE FRIENDS\, BUT PLEASE DO NOT SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. \nA wine reception will follow. \n——————— \nDetails \nDate: Thursday 21st April 2022 \nTime: 7.30 – 9pm (please arrive by 7.15pm). Followed by wine reception \nVenue: The Canongate Room\, Radisson Blu Hotel\, The Royal Mile\, 80 High Street\, Edinburgh\, EH1 1TH \nTickets: FSU Members £5/£3. Non-FSU Members £10/£6. \n———————– \nSPEAKERS \nLecturer: Jacob Mchangama \nJacob Mchangama is a lawyer\, human rights advocate and former external lecturer in human rights at the University of Copenhagen. He is the founder and director of Justitia\, a Copenhagen-based think tank focusing on human rights\, freedom of speech\, and the rule of law. His writings have appeared in a wide range of international outlets including The Economist\, The Washington Post\, Foreign Policy\, Foreign Affairs\, Politico\, The Wall Street Journal Europe\, El Pais\, France24\, Deutsche Welle\, and Al Jazeera. His book builds on his podcast ‘Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech’\, which has reached an audience of over 220\,000 unique listeners in more than 120 countries across the world. \nHost: Toby Young \nIn addition to being the General Secretary of the Free Speech Union\, Toby Young is an associate editor of the Spectator and the editor of the Daily Sceptic. \nPanellist: Joanna Cherry QC and MP \nJoanna was elected as Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West in 2015 and re-elected in 2017. Before entering Parliament\, Joanna had practiced as an Advocate for about 20 years and as a QC since 2009. \nPanellist: Jamie Gillies \nJamie is a Scottish campaigner and political commentator. He was a leading critic of the SNP’s Hate Crime Bill\, representing the Free to Disagree campaign. \n———————- \nPraise for ‘Free Speech: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media’: \n“Freedom of speech has emerged as a major issue of this decade\, but most of the discussion consists of outrages over speech or the repression of speech. Missing is the intellectual background: What does free speech really mean? What is its history? How has it played out in world events? Why should we defend it? Jacob Mchangama lays out this context with deep erudition\, strong writing\, and a light touch.” – Steven Pinker\, Johnstone Professor of Psychology\, Harvard University\, and the author of Enlightenment Now and Rationality \n“Jacob Mchangama presents a compelling case for the unique\, universal\, enduring importance of free and equal speech for all people\, regardless of their particular identities or ideologies. This fascinating account\, of magisterial scope\, demonstrates the constant liberating and equalizing force of free speech\, throughout history and around the world. It also documents the constant censorial pressures\, including many that reflect positive aims\, and their inevitable suppression of full and equal human rights.” – Nadine Strossen\, Former National President\, American Civil Liberties Union
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/why-free-speech-matters/
LOCATION:Radisson Blu Hotel\, 80 High Street\, Edinburgh\, EH1 1TH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Book Launches & Promotions,Guest Lectures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Why-Free-Speech-Matters.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220629T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220629T193000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T113801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T114722Z
UID:10000012-1656531000-1656531000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:The FSU Summer Special – Comedy Extravaganza!
DESCRIPTION:Round up your comedy-loving friends and family for The FSU Summer Special\, a one night only extravaganza of comedy and music with a fabulous prize raffle. \nIn association with Comedy Unleashed – the home of free-thinking comedy. \nTo celebrate our first summer of freedom for two years\, we are delighted to be putting on a special night of music and laughter. \nFSU favourite Dominic Frisby will be MC and will also perform a special set of comedy hits\, old and new\, with his amazing band The Gilets Jaunes. \nDescribed in Chortle as “the extravagantly offensive love-child of Adolf Hitler and Frank Sinatra…flamboyantly executed”\, comedy crooner and ubermeister of lounge\, Frank Sanazi will be bringing the glamour of Das Vegas to the stage with his legendary friends Dean Stalin\, Spliff Richard and Tom Mones. \nAs it’s an extra special celebration\, a PRIZE RAFFLE will be drawn on the night. Fabulous prizes to be announced very soon. \n\nFun with the whole FSU team\, help us raise funds to defend free speech.\nYou will also have the chance to get your hands on our brand new FSU merchandise\, currently available only at FSU events. \n  \nTickets \n£20 (member full price) \n£15 (member concessions) \n£30 ticket (includes a donation to the FSU) \n£30 (non-member full price) \n£25 (non-member concessions)
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/the-fsu-summer-special-comedy-extravaganza/
LOCATION:The Backyard Comedy Club\, 231 Cambridge Heath Rd\, London\, E2 0EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Live Comedy Specials
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Summer-Comedy-Special-Banner.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220630T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220630T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T114953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T124242Z
UID:10000013-1656615600-1656626400@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Cambridge Summer Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech. \nWe’ll be there from 7pm\, our special guest\, journalist\, economist\, author and broadcaster Liam Halligan will be interviewed by writer Jane Robins about Free Speech and the Media from 7.40pm\, followed by a Q and A\, then a social until 10pm. \nIt’s an excellent opportunity to introduce your friends\, family and colleagues to the work of the Free Speech Union. Non-members can find more information about what we do here. \nLiam Halligan is the Economics and Business Editor of GB News\,. He has worked for Channel 4\, CNN\, the BBC and LBC. He has written for the Sunday Telegraph\, the Financial Times and the Economist and appears on the Planet Normal podcast alongside Allison Pearson and on his own Money Talks podcast. \nJane Robins has spent most of her career as a journalist. She was a foreign correspondent for the Economist\, editor of The Week in Westminster on Radio 4\, an adviser in the BBC’s Policy Unit\, and media editor of the Independent on Sunday. Jane now writes books and has published three works of non-fiction and two novels. \nYou must register to attend\, but there’s no need to print your ticket.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/cambridge-summer-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Potting Shed at The Waterman\, 32 Chesterton Road\, Cambridge\, CB4 3AX\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220706T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220706T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T123857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T124155Z
UID:10000014-1657134000-1657144800@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Oxford Summer Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech. We will be there from 7pm\, with a guest speaker at 7.40pm\, followed by a Q and A until 8.15pm\, social until 10pm. \nIt’s an excellent opportunity to introduce your friends\, family and colleagues to the work of the Free Speech Union. Non-members can find more information about what we do here. \nOur speaker\, Dr Roger Teichmann\, will give a short introduction on ‘The Dangers of Groupthink’. Dr Teichmann is Lecturer in Philosophy at St Hilda’s College\, Oxford\, and has written on ethics\, mind and language. His books include ‘Logos and Life: Essays on Mind\, Action\, Language and Ethics’ and ‘Nature\, Reason\, and the Good Life: Ethics for Human Beings’. \nYou must register to attend\, but there’s no need to print your ticket.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/oxford-summer-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Slug & Lettuce\, 1 Oxford Castle\, Oxford\, OX1 1AY\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220714T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220714T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T134032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T134339Z
UID:10000016-1657825200-1657836000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Cardiff Summer Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Join us in The Grosvenor Room of The Sandringham Hotel for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech. \nWe will be there from 7pm\, with a special guest speaker\, Professor Andrew Tettenborn\, speaking on the subject ‘The Uses and Abuses of Hate Speech Legislation’ at 7.40pm\, followed by a Q and A until 8.15pm and social until 10pm. \nIf you are not a member of the Free Speech Union\, but are supportive of freedom of speech\, you are welcome to come along and find out more about us. You can find more information about what we do here. \nProfessor Andrew Tettenborn is a legal academic and a prolific writer for\, among others\, the Spectator and Spiked. He stood for Parliament in 2001 as a UKIP candidate and is a long-standing defender of freedom of speech. He is a member of the Free Speech Union’s Legal Advisory Council and of Academics for Academic Freedom. \nYou must register to attend\, but there’s no need to print your ticket.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/cardiff-summer-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Sandringham Hotel – Grosvenor Suite\, 21 Saint Mary Street\, Cardiff\, CF10 1PL
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220714T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220714T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T124425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T124701Z
UID:10000015-1657825200-1657836000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Manchester Summer Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Join us in the upstairs room of The Britons Protection for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech. We’ll be there from 7pm\, with a guest speaker at 7.40pm\, followed by a Q and A until 8.15pm and a social until 10pm. \nMembers are welcome to invite guests but please encourage them to join the Free Speech Union! They can find more information about what we do here. \nOur guest speaker is Dr Alaric Searle\, Professor of Modern European History at the University of Salford\, who will provide a brief introduction on the question\, ‘Is Free Speech Collapsing at British Universities?’ \nYou must register to attend\, but there’s no need to print your ticket.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/manchester-summer-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Briton’s Protection\, 50 Great Bridgewater Street\, Manchester\, M1 5LE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220720T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220720T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T134443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T135008Z
UID:10000017-1658343600-1658354400@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Birmingham Summer Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Join us in The Board Room\, upstairs at The Cosy Club\, Bennetts Hill\, for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech. We’ll be there from 7pm. \nOur speakers for the evening are Peter D’Lima and Claire McGuiggan of Not the Easy Way\, a psychologist-led project promoting free speech for young people. From 7.40pm until 8.30pm\, they will introduce their work and discuss how we can encourage more people\, young and old\, to engage in difficult conversations on contentious issues\, with people from differing viewpoints. Followed by an informal social until 10pm. \nIt’s an excellent opportunity to introduce your friends\, family and colleagues to the work of the Free Speech Union. Non-members can find more information about what we do here. \nYou must register to attend\, but there’s no need to print you ticket.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/birmingham-summer-speakeasy/
LOCATION:Cosy Club – The Boardroom\, 33 Bennetts Hill\, Birmingham\, B2 5SN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220721T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220721T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T135053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T135247Z
UID:10000018-1658430000-1658440800@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Edinburgh Summer Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Join us in The Speakeasy\, upstairs at The Voodoo Rooms\, Edinburgh\, for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech. We’ll be there from 7pm\, with a special guest speaker\, Professor Adam Tomkins\, at 7.40pm\, followed by a Q and A until 8.15pm and social until 10pm. Professor Tomkins will discuss why “There is no right not to be offended” . \nAdam Tomkins is a Professor of Law at the University of Glasgow\, and served as an MSP from 2016-21. He is writing a new book on the law of free speech. He is a columnist for The Herald and a member of the Free Speech Union’s Scottish Advisory Council. \nMembers are welcome to invite guests but please encourage them to join the Free Speech Union! They can find more information about what we do here. \nYou need to register to attend\, but there’s no need to print your ticket.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/edinburgh-summer-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Voodoo Rooms – The Speakeasy\, 19a West Register Street\, Edinburgh\, EH2 2AA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220727T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220727T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T135409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T135554Z
UID:10000019-1658948400-1658959200@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Brighton Summer Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an informal meet-up of FSU members and others concerned about freedom of speech\, upstairs in The Nightingale Room at The Grand Central\, 29-30 Surrey Street\, Brighton\, BN1 3PA on Wednesday 27th July. \nWe will be there from 7pm\, with a special guest speaker \, Inaya Folarin Iman\, at 7.40pm\, followed by a Q and A until 8.15pm and social until 10pm. \nIt’s an excellent opportunity to introduce your friends\, family and colleagues to the work of the Free Speech Union. Non-members can find more information about what we do here. \nInaya Folarin Iman is a journalist\, commentator and television presenter for GB News. She is also the director and founder of The Equiano Project and was a Founding Director of the Free Speech Union. In September 2021\, she was appointed as a Trustee for the National Portrait Gallery. \nYou need to register to attend\, but there’s no need to print your ticket.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/brighton-summer-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Grand Central – Nightingale Room\, 29-30 Surrey St\, Brighton\, BN1 3PA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/London-Speakeasy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220908T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220908T213000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T182155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T182839Z
UID:10000020-1662665400-1662672600@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:FSU Arts Forum: Standing Up for Freedom of Expression Across the Arts
DESCRIPTION:Following the success of two initial FSU Arts Forums\, one in London and the other in Glasgow\, we invite artists\, performers\, writers\, curators\, architects\, designers and others involved in the arts\, to join a panel-led discussion on Standing Up for Freedom of Expression Across the Arts. \nWe are all familiar with stories of artists having their reputations and careers threatened as punishment for the expression of views which challenge certain new orthodoxies. There are also more subtle limitations on the artistic imagination from\, for example\, demands that artists prioritise non-artistic factors when creating their work. The FSU Arts Forums have been formed to develop an effective defence of freedom of expression\, capable of standing up to its latest challenges. \nThe Free Speech Union is a non-partisan\, mass-membership public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its members. You can find out more about us here. \nThe discussion will be conducted according to the Chatham House rule. If there are others you would recommend we invite\, please let us know.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/fsu-arts-forum-standing-up-for-freedom-of-expression-across-the-arts/
LOCATION:The Art Workers’ Guild\, 6 Queen Square\, London\, WC1N 3AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Debates
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/H0027-L08784632.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220927T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220927T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T183948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T192233Z
UID:10000021-1664307000-1664316000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:The New Puritans – Andrew Doyle Book Launch
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an exclusive in-person event in central London\, or online if you prefer\, to celebrate the publication of Andrew Doyle’s latest book ‘The New Puritans: How the Religion of Social Justice Captured the Western World’. \nAmongst his many accomplishments\, Andrew Doyle is the author of ‘Free Speech And Why It Matters’\, the creator of woke icon Titania McGrath and co-creator of fictional news reporter Jonathan Pie. He is the host of the weekly ‘Free Speech Nation’ programme on GBNews\, founder of Comedy Unleashed and a very good friend to the Free Speech Union. Andrew has been a member of FSU’s Advisory Council from the start. \nHis new book is described by the Sunday Times as\, \n‘A sober but devastating skewering of cancel culture and the moral certainties it shares with religious fundamentalism.’ \nEngaging\, incisive and acute\, The New Puritans is a deeply necessary exploration of our current cultural climate and an urgent appeal to return to a truly liberal society. \nThe puritans of the seventeenth century sought to refashion society in accordance with their own beliefs\, but they were deep thinkers who were aware of their own fallibility. Today\, in the grasp of the new puritans\, we see a very different story. \nLeading a cultural revolution driven by identity politics and so-called ‘social justice’\, the new puritanism movement is best understood as a religion – one that makes grand claims to moral purity and tolerates no dissent. Its disciples even have their own language\, rituals and a determination to root out sinners through what has become known as ‘cancel culture’. \nIn ‘The New Puritans’\, Andrew Doyle powerfully examines the underlying belief-systems of this ideology\, and how it has risen so rapidly to dominate all major political\, cultural and corporate institutions. He reasons that\, to move forward\, we need to understand where these new puritans came from and what they hope to achieve. Written in the spirit of optimism and understanding\, Doyle offers an eloquent and powerful case for the reinstatement of liberal values and explains why it’s important we act now.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/the-new-puritans-andrew-doyle-book-launch/
LOCATION:The Art Workers’ Guild\, 6 Queen Square\, London\, WC1N 3AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Book Launches & Promotions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/The-New-Puritans-Cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221012T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221012T170000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T191222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230913T094536Z
UID:10000022-1665561600-1665594000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Free Speech and Comedy: Jack Dee in conversation with Toby Young
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an exclusive in-person event in South London\, or online if you prefer. \nWith audience Q&A \nOn 12th October Toby Young will be joined in conversation by stand-up comedian\, actor\, writer and presenter Jack Dee. \nClick here to watch Jack Dee talking about the event. \nFirmly established as one of Britain’s biggest and best-loved comedy stars\, Jack Dee has captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike with his dry humour and deadpan delivery for the past three decades. Jack has co-written and starred in two of his own sitcoms; four series of the marvellously funny Lead Balloon for BBC Two and two series of the hit ITV show Bad Move. \nIn 2004\, he hosted BAFTA-nominated Jack Dee Live at the Apollo. In 2009\, Jack replaced Humphrey Lyttelton as the chairman of the widely adored BBC Radio 4 “antidote to panel games\,” I’m Sorry\, I Haven’t a Clue. Jack is also the author of a bestselling autobiography\, Thanks for Nothing\, and the agony uncle book What Is Your Problem? which was published in 2021. \nRecent credits include the host of Have I Got News for You (BBC One)\, Jack Dee’s HelpDesk (BBC Two)\, The Apprentice: You’re Fired (BBC Two) and starring as Geoff in three series of the hit BBC series JOSH (BBC Three). Jack is currently on tour with his new stand-up comedy show Off The Telly. \nJack has been a consistent defender of free speech in comedy and joined the Free Speech Union when it launched. In response to the recent fuss over a joke by Jimmy Carr he said: \n“Do we want the state to intervene on what can or can not be said? I don’t think we want that\, I think we’re sophisticated enough as an audience to discern what we want without calling the cops.” \nWhen the FSU was cancelled by PayPal\, Jack publicly declared that he was closing his PayPal account in solidarity.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/free-speech-and-comedy-jack-dee-in-conversation-with-toby-young/
LOCATION:Online Event: Zoom
CATEGORIES:Guest Interviews
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Jack-Dee.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221015T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221016T183000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230727T120606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230727T120606Z
UID:10000051-1665826200-1665945000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Battle of Ideas Festival – Shaping the Future Through Public Debate.
DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to be partnering for the second year running with the Battle of Ideas Festival\, taking place in Westminster\, London on 15th and 16th October. \nWe’ll be there all weekend with our stall and will be co-hosting two sessions\, one with Toby Young debating the Online Safety Bill and the other with Free Speech Champions discussing how students can be persuaded to support academic freedom and freedom of speech on campus. \nAcross the rest of the two-day festival\, speakers include Andrew Doyle\, Helen Joyce\, Matt Ridley\, Maya Forstater\, Winston Marshall\, Rosie Kay\, Inaya Folarin Iman\, Allison Pearson\, Frank Furedi\, Laura Dodsworth\, William Clouston\, Sunetra Gupta and many\, many more. \nWe hope to see you there! One-day or weekend tickets can be purchased via this link. FSU members should check their inbox for emails from FSU Events\, containing a special discount code.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/battle-of-ideas-festival-shaping-the-future-through-public-debate/
LOCATION:Church House\, Westminster\, Great Smith Street\,\, London\, SW1P 3AZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conferences & Symposiums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image001.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221105T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221105T180000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230727T120245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230727T120245Z
UID:10000050-1667642400-1667671200@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:A day of debate on politics\, economics\, philosophy and more at The Battle of Ideas festival
DESCRIPTION:A day of debate on politics\, economics\, philosophy and more at The Devonshire Dome as the Battle of Ideas festival returns to Buxton! \n\nJoin us at this stunning venue in the spa town of Buxton\, in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire. \n\nAn opportunity to get to grips with some major public debates and the challenges we face going forwards\, covering politics\, economics and our wider culture. \n\nProduced by the Academy of Ideas with headline partner the University of Derby . \n\nFor ticket details\, see Eventbrite. Please note that due to industrial action\, train services are likely to be disrupted on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November. \n\nPROGRAMME AND SPEAKERS: \n\n10.30 | Welcome address\n\nClaire Fox\n\n 10.45 – 12.15 | Opening plenary: Can we fix Britain? \n\nWilliam Clouston\nSherelle Jacobs\nHilary Salt\nJames Woudhuysen\nChair: Dr Mo Lovatt\n\n12.15 – 13.30 | Lunch & Ideas Market\nBrowse a wide range of stalls while enjoying a sandwich lunch\, courtesy of the University of Derby. \n\n12.30 – 13.15 | Lunchtime Inspirations \n\nLetters on Liberty: Defending the digital self \n\nTracey Follows\nDr Nicholas Joseph\nTimandra Harkness\nChair: Rob Lyons\n\nLetters on Liberty: The liberating power of education \n\nHarley Richardson\nDr Ruth Mieschbuehler\nDr Adam Simcock\nChair: Dr Vanessa Pupavac\n\n13.30 – 14.45 | Politically homeless: what next for Red Wall voters? \n\nSherelle Jacobs\nDr Mo Lovatt\nRick Moore\nGraham Stringer MP\nChair: Hilary Salt\n\nFree speech in crisis: can we take a joke? \n\nTania Edwards\nTimandra Harkness\nIona Italia\nBarry Wall\nChair: Andy Shaw\n\nFrom grooming gangs to child protection: a scandal in plain sight? \n\nSusie Hawkes\nDr Ken McLaughlin\nJordan Tyldesley\nWasiq Wasiq\nChair: Jo Herlihy\n\n14.55 – 16.10 | Build Back Better: why can’t we build anything at all? \n\nSimon Cooke\nRosamund Cuckston\nDr Caspar Hewett\nGawain Towler\nChair: Austin Williams\n\nCop Out: Who do the police serve today? \n\nHeather Brunskell-Evans\nDr Anna Loutfi\nHarry Miller\nGraham Wettone\nChair: Alastair Donald\n\nOnline politics: people power or social-media cesspit? \n\nCallum Breese\nTracey Follows\nJacob Reynolds\nDr Nikos Sotirakopoulos\nChair: Sam Parker\n\n16.10 – 16.30 | Afternoon refreshments\n\n16.30 – 17.45 | Closing plenary: Call to courage: is anything worth fighting for? \n\nMarion Calder\nDennis Hayes\nAlan Miller\nCharlie Winstanley\nChair: Claire Fox\n\nTICKETS\nBuy tickets now via Eventbrite. (Tickets include refreshments and a sandwich lunch.)\n\nStandard ticket – £25\nConcession ticket – £15\nAoI associate ticket – £15\nFull-time students – £5\nSchool pupils – FREE (see ticket offer below)\n\nFREE TICKETS FOR SCHOOL PUPILS\nWe are delighted to make the following special offer to school pupils: a free day-ticket to the Buxton Battle of Ideas festival on Saturday 5 November. \n\nEmail schoolschampion@academyofideas.org.uk stating you would like to attend\, the name of your school and an email address to send your free ticket to. \n\nFor all enquiries about the Buxton Battle of Ideas festival\, including programme information\, partnership opportunities\, or to volunteer\, please email: Mo Lovatt at: molovatt@academyofideas.org.uk
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/a-day-of-debate-on-politics-economics-philosophy-and-more-at-the-battle-of-ideas-festival/
LOCATION:Devonshire Dome\, 1 Devonshire Road\, Buxton\, SK17 6RY
CATEGORIES:Conferences & Symposiums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/UDB-4286-3878.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221109T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221109T200000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230727T115731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230913T094703Z
UID:10000049-1668018600-1668024000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Toby Young in conversation with historian\, TV presenter and author Neil Oliver.
DESCRIPTION:With audience Q&A \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn 9th November Toby Young will be joined in conversation by historian\, author and television presenter Neil Oliver. \n\nAfter a successful career as a TV historian\, Neil had his own brush with cancel culture in 2020 as President of the National Trust for Scotland when some offence archaeologists (not real archaeologists like Neil) discovered a tweet in which he’d praised the historian (and FSU Advisory Council member) David Starkey. Even though the tweet was posted before Starkey’s controversial comments about the slave trade\, some po-faced critics still argued it made Neil unsuitable to serve on the Board of the National Trust. \n\nSince retiring from public life he has become one of GB News’s most popular presenters\, with social media clips of his monologues often racking up several million views. He was an outspoken critic of the lockdown policy and has subsequently raised questions about the efficacy and safety of the mRNA Covid vaccines\, prompting renewed calls for him to be cancelled. \n\nHe will be speaking to FSU General Secretary about his transformation from pillar of the Establishment to anti-Establishment rebel.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/toby-young-in-conversation-with-historian-tv-presenter-and-author-neil-oliver/
LOCATION:Online Event: Zoom
CATEGORIES:Guest Interviews
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Neil-Oliver.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221122T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221122T173000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T192350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T193000Z
UID:10000023-1669125600-1669138200@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Securing Academic Freedom
DESCRIPTION:The purpose of the symposium is to bring together those interested in protecting academic freedom in the UK to share knowledge and best practice on how to secure change from within – how to navigate university governance structures\, committees\, policies and other such impediments (and opportunities) in order to nurture a culture of academic freedom from the ground up. \nWhile the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill has been welcomed by many advocates of academic freedom and free speech\, legislation imposed from the top down cannot magically transform the day-to-day culture of our universities. It can\, however\, provide an opportunity for academics and students to begin the work of cultural and institutional change without fear of interference or reprisal. \nThis symposium aims to start a conversation about what change might look like\, and how it can be achieved in practical terms\, by gathering a congregation of academics\, students\, law and policy-makers\, civil society activists and journalists to exchange practical wisdom on driving change from within – what has worked in the past\, what hasn’t worked\, and what might work. \nPlease do not publicise in advance on social media or share this invitation. The Chatham House Rule will apply. \n  \nProgramme\nFrom 1.30pm: Arrival\, tea and coffee in The Hall at The Art Workers’ Guild \n2.00pm: Welcome and Panel One: Know-how \nHow is university policy made? How can it be changed? How can information about university decision-making be acquired? \nPANEL: Dr Arif Ahmed\, Professor Dennis Hayes\, Professor Ellie Lee\, Dr Roger Teichmann \nCHAIR: Dr Jan Macvarish\, Education and Events Director\, Free Speech Union \nTopics include\, but are not limited to: \n\nchallenging university policy\nproposing new university policy\nnavigating university statutes – who interprets them\, and how can they be challenged?\nusing internal petition/question procedures\ngetting the right people on the right committees\nusing freedom of information\nusing open-access information\n\n3.30pm: Break. Tea and coffee \n4.00pm: Panel Two: Networks \nHow can we mobilise the support of internal and external players (e.g. academics\, politicians\, journalists)? What is the role of unions? How to promote or resist institutional affiliations? \nPANEL: Professor Alice Sullivan\, Professor Eric Kaufmann\, James Murray\, Professor Jo Phoenix \nCHAIR: Dr Bryn Harris\, Chief Legal Counsel\, Free Speech Union \nTopics include\, but are not limited to: \n\nthe role of unions\npromoting or resisting institutional affiliations\nattracting press interest\ngetting legal support\nsecuring political support\nmobilising support from academics\nmobilising student support\nlocal ‘academic freedom champions’ – a good idea?\n\n5.20pm: Closing remarks \n5.30pm: Wine reception at the venue until 6.30pm \nWe have booked The Lamb pub on Lamb’s Conduit Street for post-event drinks from 6.30pm.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/securing-academic-freedom/
LOCATION:The Art Workers’ Guild\, 6 Queen Square\, London\, WC1N 3AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conferences & Symposiums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Academic-Freedom.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221212T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221212T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T193107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T194351Z
UID:10000024-1670873400-1670882400@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:The FSU Christmas Special
DESCRIPTION:Round up your comedy-loving friends and family for The FSU Christmas Special\, a one night only extravaganza of comedy with a fabulous line-up. \nIn association with Comedy Unleashed – the home of free-thinking comedy. \nComedy legend Bobby Davro is our Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Amazing! Bobby will be joined on stage by stand-up comedian and GB News presenter Leo Kearse\, Comedy Unleashed favourite Mary Bourke and comedian and presenter Simon Evans. \nJoin the fun with the FSU team and helps us raise funds to defend freedom of speech. \nWE’LL ALSO BE SELLING OUR T-SHIRTS\, FEATURING BOB MORAN’S FABULOUS ‘GEORGE ORWELL’ CARTOON (see below). £20 for one\, £35 for two. They make the perfect Christmas gift\, especially for Secret Santa! \n \nTickets \n£20 FSU member full price / £15 FSU member concessions \n£25 non-member full price / £20 non-member concessions \nRefunds issued on a case-by-case basis.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/the-fsu-christmas-special/
LOCATION:The Backyard Comedy Club\, 231 Cambridge Heath Rd\, London\, E2 0EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Live Comedy Specials
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Christmas-Comedy-Special.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221213T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221213T200000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230727T115408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230727T115408Z
UID:10000048-1670954400-1670961600@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Online Christmas Review!
DESCRIPTION:Join the FSU team to discuss the free speech highs and lows of 2022
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/online-christmas-review/
LOCATION:Online Event: Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Christmas-Review-V3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230119T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230119T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T193640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T200646Z
UID:10000025-1674154800-1674165600@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Cardiff Regional Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:We are kicking off 2023 with a new series of Regional Speakeasies around the UK. Each event will be addressed by a senior member of Free Speech Union staff to discuss Why Free Speech is Worth Fighting For. It’s your chance to find out why the individuals involved in FSU are so passionate about defending free speech and how our work is developing across many different fronts\, from case work to campaigns\, legislation to original research. It is also an opportunity for us to thank members in person for their continued support\, to meet new members\, introduce others to the work that we do and encourage them to join us. \nSpeaker: Dr Bryn Harris\, FSU Chief Legal Counsel \nBryn has worked as chief legal counsel of the Free Speech Union since 2020. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2018\, and before that he completed a doctorate in classics at the University of Oxford. In a previous life he was a linguist and has worked as a translator and lexicographer. Bryn’s main interests are in law\, philosophy and literature\, and he has a particular interest in the law and practice surrounding academic freedom of speech. \nThere will\, of course\, be plenty of time for discussion and for socialising with fellow free speech supporters.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/cardiff-regional-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Sandringham Hotel – Grosvenor Suite\, 21 Saint Mary Street\, Cardiff\, CF10 1PL
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230123T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230123T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T194459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T194929Z
UID:10000026-1674502200-1674511200@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Free Speech and the Right to Protest
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an in-person event in central London\, or online if you prefer\, to explore the lines between freedom of speech and the right to protest. \nMost of us can agree that freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental to democracy but our shared notions of what is permissible are often tested in the face of actual speech and real-life protests. Recent tactics employed by environmental campaigners have introduced new dilemmas for the public\, the police and for law-makers\, where extended or repeated disruptions to the daily life of some citizens are balanced against the right of other citizens to raise their political or moral concerns in the public domain. The debate over abortion clinic ‘buffer zones’ has also thrown up many important questions about speech and protest. What constitutes speech – does it include images\, silent prayer\, singing? Should legislation deal explicitly with the activities of campaigners motivated by a particular set of beliefs? How does the location and context of speech affect society’s willingness to tolerate it? \nWe have brought together a panel to help us explore these questions – we do not anticipate easy answers! We have two of the main protagonists in the ‘buffer zones’ debate. Ryan Christopher\, director of pro-life group ADF International\, opposes what his organisation terms ‘censorship zones’ on free speech grounds. Ann Furedi\, former chief executive of BPAS\, Britain’s leading abortion provider\, describes herself as a ‘free speech absolutist’ but argues that the targeting of abortion clinic staff and patients by campaigners should not be tolerated. Their fellow interlocutors are Bryn Harris\, the FSU’s Chief Legal Counsel and FSU Case Officer Tim Cruddas\, who was a serving police officer for 26 years and has\, on numerous occasions\, been responsible for the policing of protests and other public order incidents. \n  \nRyan Christopher \nRyan Christopher is director of ADF International in the UK (Alliance Defending Freedom). ADF is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. Ryan leads the ADF UK’s advocacy efforts and acts as a liaison for politicians\, media\, and other NGO allies working on shared mission issues. He also writes on the relationship between philosophy\, law\, and freedom of expression. \nTim Cruddas \nTim has recently retired from a long career in the Metropolitan Police – mostly in Counter Terrorism and Domestic Extremism; including 4 years in the Intelligence Unit of the Met’s Public Order Branch. This involved working on many major public order operations – including the 2010 student riots\, the 2011 royal wedding and the 2012 Olympics. He is a strong proponent of Free Speech within the law and is able to offer a useful “Police perspective” in FSU matters. \nAnn Furedi \nAnn Furedi is the author of The Moral Case for Abortion. Ann ran the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (bpas)\, which provides about half of all abortions in Britain\, for almost two decades. She recently completed a masters degree in philosophy and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science by Kent University for her work on abortion law and ethics. \nBryn Harris \nBryn has worked as chief legal counsel of the Free Speech Union since 2020. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2018\, and before that he did a doctorate in classics at the University of Oxford. In a previous life he was a linguist and has worked as a translator and lexicographer. Bryn’s main interests are in law\, philosophy and literature\, and he has a particular interest in the law and practice surrounding academic freedom of speech.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/free-speech-and-the-right-to-protest/
LOCATION:The Art Workers’ Guild\, 6 Queen Square\, London\, WC1N 3AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Debates
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Right-to-Protest.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230125T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230125T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230425T195229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230426T101004Z
UID:10000027-1674673200-1674684000@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Manchester Regional Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:We are kicking off 2023 with a new series of Regional Speakeasies around the UK. Each event will be addressed by a senior member of Free Speech Union staff to discuss Why Free Speech is Worth Fighting For. It’s your chance to find out why the individuals involved in FSU are so passionate about defending free speech and how our work is developing across many different fronts\, from case work to campaigns\, legislation to original research. It is also an opportunity for us to thank members in person for their continued support\, to meet new members\, introduce others to the work that we do and encourage them to join us. \nCome and debate with the Free Speech Union\, Why Free Speech is Worth Fighting For. \nOur speaker for the evening is Thomas Harris\, FSU’s Director of Data and Impact. Tom joined the FSU from the corporate sector\, where he had become increasingly alarmed by the embedding of ‘woke’ ideas within management structures and workplace culture. He now plays a vital role in helping the FSU understand fast-moving developments in the ideological capture of so many of our institutions\, driving our ability to respond to future political and cultural trends. Which professions and sectors of employment are the worst for free speech? Who is most likely to need our help? What are our most effective responses to members’ travails? How can we campaign most effectively? How can we keep on growing\, so that we can help even more individuals and increase our ability to defend freedom of speech for all? \nIt’s your chance to find out why the individuals involved in FSU are so passionate about defending free speech and how our work is developing across many different fronts\, from case work to campaigns\, legislation to original research. It is also an opportunity for us to thank members in person for their continued support\, to meet new members\, introduce others to the work that we do and encourage them to join us. \nThere will\, of course\, be plenty of time for discussion\, as well as socialising with fellow free speech supporters. \n  \nSpeaker: Thomas Harris\, FSU Director of Data and Impact \nThomas Harris joined the FSU in March 2022 after 25 years in the City of London working as an actuary. In the City\, Tom was content to focus on strengthening the balance sheet of his employer and lucky to be moving in senior circles where the new training philosophies could largely be avoided; but the growth of the HR machine was still disconcerting. His personal life has ranged from senior bible teacher in a conservative evangelical church through to chair of the UK’s largest lesbian & gay swimming club. Consequently\, Tom is comfortable with multiple sides of most debates!
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/manchester-regional-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Fountain House – Memorial Hall\, The Memorial Hall\, 14 Albert Square\, Manchester\, M2 5PE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freespeechunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Manchester-RS.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230126T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230126T220000
DTSTAMP:20250624T074433
CREATED:20230426T100531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230914T091306Z
UID:10000028-1674759600-1674770400@freespeechunion.org
SUMMARY:Edinburgh Regional Speakeasy
DESCRIPTION:We are kicking off 2023 with a new series of Regional Speakeasies around the UK. Each event will be addressed by a senior member of Free Speech Union staff to discuss Why Free Speech is Worth Fighting For. It’s your chance to find out why the individuals involved in FSU are so passionate about defending free speech and how our work is developing across many different fronts\, from case work to campaigns\, legislation to original research. It is also an opportunity for us to thank members in person for their continued support\, to meet new members\, introduce others to the work that we do and encourage them to join us. \nFraser Hudghton\, the FSU’s Director of Case Management and Scottish Affairs will offer a brief update on the FSU’s plans for the year ahead before introducing and interviewing our special guest for the evening\, Iain Macwhirter. Iain is a writer\, political commentator and a member of the FSU’s Scottish Advisory Council. \nSpeakers: \nFraser Hudghton \nFraser is the FSU’s Director of Case Management and Scottish Affairs. He joined the FSU in 2020 and oversees our vital work in helping those who have been cancelled or are threatened with cancellation get their lives back. Prior to his time at FSU Fraser worked in key roles for the Law Society of Scotland\, in Scottish politics and in charity fundraising regulation\, for the past decade splitting his time between Edinburgh and London. Fraser is a Forfar Athletic FC and Liverpool FC fan\, lives in a house filled with books and spends far too much time doing crosswords. \nIain Macwhirter \nIain is a political commentator for the Spectator and other outlets. He is the author of several books including Disunited Kingdom: How Westminster won a referendum but lost Scotland and former Rector of Edinburgh University. A BBC TV and Radio presenter for 25 years\, Iain also worked for many years in the Westminster Lobby. He’s been a columnist for the New Statesman\, the Scotsman and the Observer. \nThere will\, of course\, be plenty of time for discussion and for socialising with fellow free speech supporters. \nDoors open 7pm\, speaker and discussion starts at 7.30pm. \nSpeakeasies are free for FSU members. We ask non-members to pay £2.00. Please book your places as soon as possible and do let us know if you need to cancel so that we can release your ticket to somebody else.
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/edinburgh-regional-speakeasy/
LOCATION:The Counting House\, 38 West Nicolson Street\, Edinburgh\, EH8 9DD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Regional Speakeasies
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