November 2023 update
Our November update covers several meetings held recently, upcoming meetings and conferences, and Christmas socials. We are also asking whether anyone would like to get involved in a new group in Salisbury.
Introduction
It’s been a busy few weeks for free speech with several meetings in Manchester, Newcastle and Croydon.
On Wednesday 25th October the Manchester Group met at the Welcome Inn where the topic was Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Unfortunately our scheduled speaker was unable to attend, so the discussion commenced with some observations about the origins of ESG criteria made in the unHerd website article: BlackRock’s tyrannical ESG agenda. We were initially concerned that there might not be a lot to cover but in the end, pooling the assembled knowledge led to an extensive and fascinating debate. Find out more here:
https://politicsinpubs.org.uk/environmental-social-and-governance-esg-criteria/
On the 19th November, the Cancelling Cancel Culture group met at The Britains Protection pub in Manchester to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The room was packed and despite this being a potentially volatile topic the meeting was carried out in a friendly and constructive manner.
On Tuesday 14th November, the Newcastle Group met at The Telegraph pub to ask whether the UK needs Reform – a discussion introduced by the local Reform Party candidate Steve Adler.
Croydon Constitutionalists met on November 18 at Whispers for a “My tuppenceworth” session when members volunteered their own short speeches. Some of of these are linked below:
https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/build-baby-build/
https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/croydon-doing-less-better/
https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/reform-of-the-house-of-lords/
Upcoming Meetings and Christmas Socials
The Manchester group is meeting on Wednesday this week to discuss the proposition that Men and women ARE different. The meeting will take place as usual at 7:30pm in the Welcome Inn. More details here:
https://politicsinpubs.org.uk/men_and_women_are_different/
Both Politics in Pubs and Cancelling Cancel Culture will be hosting stands at the upcoming Buxton Battle of Ideas festival on Saturday 25th November. This was a fantastic event last year and promises to be another fascinating occasion with many talks and panel discussions. One of us will be appearing as a guest on one of the panels! If you plan to go, and why wouldn’t you(?), don’t forget to use our discount code to get 20% off. More details here:
https://politicsinpubs.org.uk/join-us-at-the-battle-of-ideas-festival-in-buxton/
Manchester group members are also reminded that we are having our Christmas social at 7:30pm on Wednesday 13th December at the Welcome Inn. We shall be collecting a £10 contribution at the meeting this week so please do bring some cash and remember that partners are very welcome.
Rob “the American” is hosting a Cancelling Cancel Culture Christmas party at 7pm in the upstairs function room at the The Acre and Apple, 28-30 John Dalton Street, Manchester, M2 6HQ. There will be plenty of hot food and a cash bar. Everyone welcome, including significant others.
Do you live near Salisbury?
One of our members is very interested in starting a new group in Salisbury. If you live in Salisbury or nearby and want to get involved, please do get in contact and we’ll put you in touch.
Otherwise, we have created a map where you can search for a group near you but don’t worry if you can’t find anything nearby as you can start your own group. If you would like to be put in touch with other people interested in talking about politics, please let us us know your location and we’ll help to get the conversation started.
Do you have a group that supports free speech?
Have also started to expand network with other free speech groups who have a similar interest in open discussion and debate. If you have such a group and want to appear on our map please get in touch.