Open invite to the online Festival of Politics

The Scottish Parliament is hosting its first virtual Festival of Politics, with events moving online as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Free for all...join the debate as the Festival of Politics moves online this month.Free for all...join the debate as the Festival of Politics moves online this month.
Free for all...join the debate as the Festival of Politics moves online this month.

Taking place from Thursday, November 19, to Saturday, November 21, it is free to attend.

In partnership with the Scottish Parliament’s think tank, Scotland’s Futures Forum, the programme puts the spotlight on the key issues facing society, with Covid-19 and our recovery from the pandemic being a core theme.

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Other topics on the agenda include climate change, the American Presidential election, Brexit and the type of country Scotland is likely to be in ten years’ time.

The Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, said: “This year’s Festival of Politics will, for the first time, be held online and will be free to watch.

“The Parliament has always prided itself on being open and accessible to all.

“Moving the festival online provides us with another method by which we can engage with people of all ages and backgrounds from across Scotland and beyond.

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“The challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic have affected every aspect of our lives and it has never been more important for panellists and audience members to come together to discuss and share ideas on the best way forward for society.

“But we are not just focused on the pandemic.

“With sessions devoted to climate change, race, Brexit and the American elections, we will be taking on all the major issues of our time.

“I’d encourage everyone to get online from November 19, watch for free and join the debate for the Festival of Politics 2020.”

The festival will kick off on November 19 with a debate on Scotland 2030: What do we want, and how can we get there? in partnership with Scotland’s Futures Forum; from 7pm to 8pm.

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One of the highlights on November 20 is set to be Who Will Make America Great Again? in partnership with The Times from 6pm to 7pm.

And highlights on the Saturday include How to Heal a Nation in partnership with See Me Scotland from 10am to 11am and Racism in Scotland in partnership with the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights from noon to 1pm.

Offering people a unique chance to engage with MSPs, journalists, academics and commentators, attendees can take part at www.festivalofpolitics.scot.

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