Debate: The threat to our civil liberties from an overmighty state has been much exaggerated

12 November 2009, 6:45-8pm


Many argue our civil liberties are slowly being eroded in the name of counter-terrorism. But with the Freedom of Information Act and the Human Rights Act are our freedoms actually more secure?

Speakers for the motion:

David Aaronovitch, Times columnist and author of Voodoo Histories: The Role of Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History.

Sir Ian Blair, Former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Conor Gearty, Professor of Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics.

Speakers against the motion:

A.C. Grayling, Professor of philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London, and author of Liberty in the Age of Terror: A Defence of Civil Society and Enlightenment Values.

David Davis, Conservative MP and former shadow home secretary.

Shami Chakrabati, Director of Liberty.

Chair: Sue Lawley, Journalist and broadcaster.

Organiser: Intelligence Squared
Venue: Royal Geographical Society, Ondaatje Theatre, 1 Kensington Gore, London
Website: http://www.intelligencesquared.com/events.php?event=EVT0197
Email: info@intelligencesquared.com


Post this article to

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • newsvine
  • Reddit

Read More

Newsletter

Enter your email address here to receive updates from the team

Vote!

Will the next election produce a hung parliament?

Suggest a question

View comments

© New Statesman 1913 - 2009

Tracker