People & Politics: How the Tories took Britain to the Brink – Conversation with Polly Toynbee and David Walker

When:
15/04/2015 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
2015-04-15T18:30:00+01:00
2015-04-15T20:30:00+01:00
Cost:
£5 - Tickets available at the door only
Contact:
Layth Qattan

Is equality the premise for a fairer, happier and more economically stable society? What do social justice and equality mean in a diverse and pragmatic society? How do we include natural competition within a social justice scheme?

Join us for a captivating interview and discussion on the issues of Social Justice and Equality in a democratic society. Part of our People & Politics series that aims to delve beneath the surface of some of the urgent political and social issues that are facing both young and old in the UK and beyond. The first season will focus on the theme of Democracy in the 21st Century.

polly and david_logoDavid and Polly have recently authored “Cameron’s Coup: How the Tories took Britain to the Brink”, which assesses the consequences of the coalition government’s policies, including the effects wrought on the NHS, legal aid, social housing, and many other cherished public institutions. Book and Kitchen will be hosting them on Wednesday 15th April 2015 to discuss questions surrounding the theme of ‘Social Justice and Equality’, particularly with regards to the upcoming UK General Election.

Book and Kitchen is delighted to be hosting David and Polly, and will be offering a selection of homemade food, as well as wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests are encouraged to come at around 18:30, and the talk will begin at 19:00. The event will feature a 45 minute discussion by the pair, followed by a Q&A session where guests are warmly encouraged to ask questions or make their own comments. We look forward to seeing you there.

Some of the questions we will be delving into with Polly and David:

How do we tackle Britain’s skyrocketing inequality rate? Why is inequality so important? Is inequality a “necessary evil” to sustain a competitive economy? How do we define “social justice”?  How should we understand “competition” within the context of “social justice”? How should the “left” respond to the EU’s economic policies towards member states such as Greece or Spain? Is the Labour Party still capable of resisting such dangerous levels of inequality? Is it still relevant? Is British democracy strong enough to represent the interests of all its members and to resist the free-market policies of the coalition government?

All guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with our speakers.

Find out more about Polly Toynbee and David Walker