Old political issues, from the economy to foreign policy, have lost their fire: these are no longer the trenches that divide political life.
Yet a new political dividing line is growing: between those who support or oppose freedom in practice. Pro- and anti-freedom perspectives cut across party lines. All parties include individuals who stand up for individual and social liberties, including:
- – free speech;
– freedom to organise political demonstrations;
– freedom to raise and educate our children in the way we see fit;
– freedom to drink or smoke in public space;
– freedom from the overwhelming power of the state – CCTV cameras, ID cards, detention without trial.
We have invited activists from different points on the political spectrum to discuss the challenges for freedom today – and to suggest what they would put in their Freedom Manifesto. Do we need a new freedom alliance?
Speakers: Guy Herbert (No2ID), Henry Porter (Observer columnist and civil liberties campaigner), James Panton (Manifesto Club), Alex Deane (Big Brother Watch), Rowenna Davis (features writer, The Guardian).
When: Wednesday 28 April, 7.30pm;
Where: Function room @ The Slug and Lettuce, 5 Lisle Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7BG
Cost: Free for Manifesto Club members; £5 non-members. (Join the Manifesto Club.)