Battle of Ideas festivals 2022

Watch the debates from our festivals. We’ll be adding new discussions frequently, so check back to see more.

Why does European politics feel more unstable and unpredictable than ever? Are old certainties, such as Germany’s economic power  being put into question? And where is the EU in all of this? In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many forecast a new renaissance for the idea of Europe, and the institution of the EU. Such predictions now seem to have been optimistic at best. How can the continent, its politicians and institutions, survive the current storms? 

The speakers in this engaging panel debate are:

Ivar Arpi
Journalist; publisher and podcaster, Rak höger; co-author, Så blev vi alla rasister and Genusdoktrinen

Sabine Beppler-Spahl
Chair, Freiblickinstitut e.V; CEO, Sprachkunst36; author, Off-centre: how party consensus undermines our democracy; Germany correspondent, spiked

Thomas Fazi
Journalist and writer; author, The Battle for Europe & The Covid Consensus: the global assault on democracy and the poor - a critique from the Left

David Goodhart
Head of demography unit, Policy Exchange; author Head, Hand, Heart & The Road to Somewhere

Stepan Hobza
Journalist; staff writer, Lidové Noviny; creator, Kulturní války (Culture Wars) podcast

The Chair is Bruno Waterfield, Brussels correspondent, The Times

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 25  more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite.

Why does European politics feel more unstable and unpredictable than ever? Are old certainties, such as Germany’s economic power being put into question? And where is the EU in all of this? In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many forecast a new renaissance for the idea of Europe, and the institution of the EU. Such predictions now seem to have been optimistic at best. How can the continent, its politicians and institutions, survive the current storms?

The speakers in this engaging panel debate are:

Ivar Arpi
Journalist; publisher and podcaster, Rak höger; co-author, Så blev vi alla rasister and Genusdoktrinen

Sabine Beppler-Spahl
Chair, Freiblickinstitut e.V; CEO, Sprachkunst36; author, Off-centre: how party consensus undermines our democracy; Germany correspondent, spiked

Thomas Fazi
Journalist and writer; author, The Battle for Europe & The Covid Consensus: the global assault on democracy and the poor - a critique from the Left

David Goodhart
Head of demography unit, Policy Exchange; author Head, Hand, Heart & The Road to Somewhere

Stepan Hobza
Journalist; staff writer, Lidové Noviny; creator, Kulturní války (Culture Wars) podcast

The Chair is Bruno Waterfield, Brussels correspondent, The Times

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 25 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite.

5 5

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EUROPE TODAY: STORM CLOUDS OVER THE CONTINENT?

365 views Monday 7 November 2022

This illuminating debate filmed at the Battle of Ideas festival is well worth a watch and share. 
As outsiders look at the toxic domestic state of US politics, it seems difficult to see how the US will rise to its traditional leadership role on the world stage. Do Americans themselves even care about remaining the preeminent power when midterm debates focus so much on internal fights over divisive cultural questions like school choice, abortion, and voting issues? Much of the mainstream political discussion in the US is caught up in the culture wars, with rows over race, gender ideology and so-called ‘woke’ politics seeming to divide communities. Will the upcoming midterms, which crucially set the stage for the 2024 presidential elections, hasten or hinder America’s apparent international decline? Will an electoral challenge resolve or exacerbate internal divisions? What is happening in America, and what consequences will it have for the rest of the world?

The speakers on the panel are:

Yaron Brook
Chairman of the board, Ayn Rand Institute; host, The Yaron Brook Show; co-author, In Pursuit of Wealth: the moral case for finance

Jack Garland
Student, University of California, Los Angeles; writer and editor, Bruin Political Review

Dr Richard Johnson
Writer; lecturer in US politics, Queen Mary, University of London; author, The End of the Second Reconstruction: Obama, Trump, and the crisis of civil rights

Helen Searls
Chief operating officer, Feature Story News; founder, Washington Hyenas book club; Ulysses enthusiast

The Chair is Fraser Myers, Deputy editor, spiked; host, The spiked podcast

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 25 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful see https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite or you can hit the THANKS button here on YouTube. Thank you.

This illuminating debate filmed at the Battle of Ideas festival is well worth a watch and share.
As outsiders look at the toxic domestic state of US politics, it seems difficult to see how the US will rise to its traditional leadership role on the world stage. Do Americans themselves even care about remaining the preeminent power when midterm debates focus so much on internal fights over divisive cultural questions like school choice, abortion, and voting issues? Much of the mainstream political discussion in the US is caught up in the culture wars, with rows over race, gender ideology and so-called ‘woke’ politics seeming to divide communities. Will the upcoming midterms, which crucially set the stage for the 2024 presidential elections, hasten or hinder America’s apparent international decline? Will an electoral challenge resolve or exacerbate internal divisions? What is happening in America, and what consequences will it have for the rest of the world?

The speakers on the panel are:

Yaron Brook
Chairman of the board, Ayn Rand Institute; host, The Yaron Brook Show; co-author, In Pursuit of Wealth: the moral case for finance

Jack Garland
Student, University of California, Los Angeles; writer and editor, Bruin Political Review

Dr Richard Johnson
Writer; lecturer in US politics, Queen Mary, University of London; author, The End of the Second Reconstruction: Obama, Trump, and the crisis of civil rights

Helen Searls
Chief operating officer, Feature Story News; founder, Washington Hyenas book club; Ulysses enthusiast

The Chair is Fraser Myers, Deputy editor, spiked; host, The spiked podcast

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 25 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful see https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite or you can hit the THANKS button here on YouTube. Thank you.

7 8

YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi5DQUNERDQ2NkIzRUQxNTY1

US MIDTERMS: CAN AMERICA SURVIVE THE CULTURE WARS?

517 views Monday 7 November 2022

Recent turmoil on the bond markets, a currency in freefall and inflation going through the roof are just some of the problems facing the UK right now. Everywhere you look, Britain seems to be in crisis.
Is Britain really ‘broken’ as many claim or is this too alarmist? Do we have the talent and vision to fix Britain – and if so, how can we make it happen?

The speakers on this panel filmed at the Battle ofIdeas Festival 2022 are:

Laila Cunningham
Founder, Kitchin Table; councillor, City of Westminster
Rob Lyons
Science and technology director, Academy of Ideas; convenor, AoI Economy Forum
Claire Pearsall
Conservative councillor, Sevenoaks District Council; commentator; former Home Office adviser
Martin Wright
Chair, Positive News; formerly editor-in-chief, Green Futures; former director, Forum for the Future
Gareth Wyn Jones
Farmer and commentator; author, The Hill Farmer

The Chair is Timandra Harkness
Journalist, writer and broadcaster; presenter, Radio 4's FutureProofing and How to Disagree; author, Big Data: does size matter?

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you a further 25 illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite. Alternatively hit the THANKS button here on YouTube and add a £ or so. Thank you.

Recent turmoil on the bond markets, a currency in freefall and inflation going through the roof are just some of the problems facing the UK right now. Everywhere you look, Britain seems to be in crisis.
Is Britain really ‘broken’ as many claim or is this too alarmist? Do we have the talent and vision to fix Britain – and if so, how can we make it happen?

The speakers on this panel filmed at the Battle ofIdeas Festival 2022 are:

Laila Cunningham
Founder, Kitchin Table; councillor, City of Westminster
Rob Lyons
Science and technology director, Academy of Ideas; convenor, AoI Economy Forum
Claire Pearsall
Conservative councillor, Sevenoaks District Council; commentator; former Home Office adviser
Martin Wright
Chair, Positive News; formerly editor-in-chief, Green Futures; former director, Forum for the Future
Gareth Wyn Jones
Farmer and commentator; author, The Hill Farmer

The Chair is Timandra Harkness
Journalist, writer and broadcaster; presenter, Radio 4's FutureProofing and How to Disagree; author, Big Data: does size matter?

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you a further 25 illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite. Alternatively hit the THANKS button here on YouTube and add a £ or so. Thank you.

9 2

YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi45NDk1REZENzhEMzU5MDQz

CAN WE FIX BRITAIN?

532 views Sunday 6 November 2022

WORK SHY AND RETIRING: HAVE WE FALLEN OUT OF LOVE WITH WORK?

449 views Saturday 5 November 2022

The Online Safety Bill is causing huge concern for all who believe free speech is fundemental. In this insightful Battle of Ideas debate arranged in partnership with the Free Speech Union and filmed by WORLDwrite volunteers, a fascinating range of speakers discuss what is at stake. A packed audience add some great points too, not least should we even except it is the government's business to intervene in an area that may for example be a matter for parents? Do watch share and comment to encourage debate on this vital subject.

The speakers are:

Lord Charles Colville
Crossbench peer, House of Lords; former member, Communications and Digital Select Committee; freelance TV producer

Paddy Hannam
Researcher, House of Commons; writer and commentator

Molly Kingsley
Co-founder, UsForThem; co-author, The Children’s Inquiry

Graham Smith
Tech and internet lawyer; of counsel, Bird & Bird LLP; author, Internet Law and Regulation; blogger, Cyberleagle

Toby Young
General secretary, Free Speech Union; author, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People; associate editor, Spectator

The Chair is

Dr Jan Macvarish
Education and events director, Free Speech Union; author, Neuroparenting: the expert invasion of family life

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers for no remuneration. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 30 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every £1 counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite or hit the Thanks button here on YouTube. We'd be hugely grateful.

The Online Safety Bill is causing huge concern for all who believe free speech is fundemental. In this insightful Battle of Ideas debate arranged in partnership with the Free Speech Union and filmed by WORLDwrite volunteers, a fascinating range of speakers discuss what is at stake. A packed audience add some great points too, not least should we even except it is the government's business to intervene in an area that may for example be a matter for parents? Do watch share and comment to encourage debate on this vital subject.

The speakers are:

Lord Charles Colville
Crossbench peer, House of Lords; former member, Communications and Digital Select Committee; freelance TV producer

Paddy Hannam
Researcher, House of Commons; writer and commentator

Molly Kingsley
Co-founder, UsForThem; co-author, The Children’s Inquiry

Graham Smith
Tech and internet lawyer; of counsel, Bird & Bird LLP; author, Internet Law and Regulation; blogger, Cyberleagle

Toby Young
General secretary, Free Speech Union; author, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People; associate editor, Spectator

The Chair is

Dr Jan Macvarish
Education and events director, Free Speech Union; author, Neuroparenting: the expert invasion of family life

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers for no remuneration. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 30 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every £1 counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite or hit the Thanks button here on YouTube. We'd be hugely grateful.

10 3

YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi40NzZCMERDMjVEN0RFRThB

ONLINE SAFETY VS FREE SPEECH

651 views Tuesday 1 November 2022

Today, droughts and floods are equally described as ‘biblical’, scientists warn that we are approaching an ‘ecological catastrophe’, and the UN secretary-general claims that we are facing ‘collective suicide’. But are we really entering the ‘end of days’? Are environmental concerns a response to a crisis or the cause of one? Filmed at the Battle of Ideas Festival 2022, speakers in this refreshing debate discuss what's going on. 

The speakers are:

Dr Shahrar Ali
Former deputy leader, Green Party; author, Why Vote Green 2015

Orsolya Kovács-Magosi
PhD student and junior researcher, Corvinus University of Budapest; researcher, Climate Policy Institute (CPI)

Martin Powell
Head of sustainability, Siemens Inc; former mayoral advisor on the environment; editor, The Climate City

Dr Nikos Sotirakopoulos
Visiting fellow, Ayn Rand Institute; instructor, Ayn Rand University; author, Identity Politics and Tribalism: the new culture wars

The Chair is:

Austin Williams
Senior lecturer, Dept of Architecture, Kingston University, London; honorary research fellow, XJTLU, Suzhou, China; author, China’s Urban Revolution: understanding Chinese eco-cities

This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 31 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in by hitting the thanks button on YouTube or on our JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite. We'd be hugely grateful for your support.

Today, droughts and floods are equally described as ‘biblical’, scientists warn that we are approaching an ‘ecological catastrophe’, and the UN secretary-general claims that we are facing ‘collective suicide’. But are we really entering the ‘end of days’? Are environmental concerns a response to a crisis or the cause of one? Filmed at the Battle of Ideas Festival 2022, speakers in this refreshing debate discuss what's going on.

The speakers are:

Dr Shahrar Ali
Former deputy leader, Green Party; author, Why Vote Green 2015

Orsolya Kovács-Magosi
PhD student and junior researcher, Corvinus University of Budapest; researcher, Climate Policy Institute (CPI)

Martin Powell
Head of sustainability, Siemens Inc; former mayoral advisor on the environment; editor, The Climate City

Dr Nikos Sotirakopoulos
Visiting fellow, Ayn Rand Institute; instructor, Ayn Rand University; author, Identity Politics and Tribalism: the new culture wars

The Chair is:

Austin Williams
Senior lecturer, Dept of Architecture, Kingston University, London; honorary research fellow, XJTLU, Suzhou, China; author, China’s Urban Revolution: understanding Chinese eco-cities

This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 31 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in by hitting the thanks button on YouTube or on our JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite. We'd be hugely grateful for your support.

15 15

YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi41MzJCQjBCNDIyRkJDN0VD

CLIMATE EMERGENCY: CATASTROPHE OR CATASTROPHISING?

779 views Monday 31 October 2022

💥Join us on our Journey to 1 Million Subscribers💥 SPONSORED BY: Ridge Wallet. Use Code “TRIGGER” for 10% off your order at: https://www.ridge.com/TRIGGER

This episode was recorded at the 2022 Battle of Ideas festival. Konstantin defends his book, 'An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West' and answers questions from a live audience.



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Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians.

00:00 Intro
07:58 Is Society Destabilising from Within or Without?
14:31 Comparing our ‘Free and Honest Media’ to Russia
17:09 Critics of the West
18:52 Should We Have a Politicised Education System? 
24:01 Attacking Views Regardless of Background
25:37 Are Comedians the Ones on the Woke Speech Battleground?
30:15 Is Konstantin Uncancellable?
32:04 Why Immigrants are the Most Patriotic
34:46 Konstantin on Labour Populism 
38:42 Role of Parents in Shaping the Curriculum 
41:03 Can we Recover from our Inability to Understand Opposing Views?
48:18 How Western Media has Covered the War
51:47 Surprising Common Views in Russia
58:09 How Minority Tories Undermine Racism Accusations
1:00:51 Responses to Konstantin’s Book
1:02:56 Dealing with TRIGGERnometry’s Growth
1:10:04 How Can We Sustain Comedy?
1:13:35 Labour’s Potential Approach to Free Speech
1:21:04 Challenging Anti-Capitalist Political Leaders
1:27:44 How Can Immigrants Combat their Identity Crisis?
1:30:51 Conclusion Join our exclusive TRIGGERnometry community on Substack! https://triggernometry.substack.com/

SPONSORED BY: Ridge Wallet. Use Code “TRIGGER” for 10% off your order at: https://www.ridge.com/TRIGGER

This episode was recorded at the 2022 Battle of Ideas festival. Konstantin defends his book, 'An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West' and answers questions from a live audience.

Join our exclusive TRIGGERnometry community on Locals! https://triggernometry.locals.com/

OR Support TRIGGERnometry Here:

https://www.subscribestar.com/triggernometry
https://www.patreon.com/triggerpod
Bitcoin: bc1qm6vvhduc6s3rvy8u76sllmrfpynfv94qw8p8d5

Music by: Xentric | info@xentricapc.com | https://www.xentricapc.com/ | Channel ID: UCo_8zzSxKeL3arKWVuP8wdQ

Buy Merch Here:

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About TRIGGERnometry:

Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians.

00:00 Intro
07:58 Is Society Destabilising from Within or Without?
14:31 Comparing our ‘Free and Honest Media’ to Russia
17:09 Critics of the West
18:52 Should We Have a Politicised Education System?
24:01 Attacking Views Regardless of Background
25:37 Are Comedians the Ones on the Woke Speech Battleground?
30:15 Is Konstantin Uncancellable?
32:04 Why Immigrants are the Most Patriotic
34:46 Konstantin on Labour Populism
38:42 Role of Parents in Shaping the Curriculum
41:03 Can we Recover from our Inability to Understand Opposing Views?
48:18 How Western Media has Covered the War
51:47 Surprising Common Views in Russia
58:09 How Minority Tories Undermine Racism Accusations
1:00:51 Responses to Konstantin’s Book
1:02:56 Dealing with TRIGGERnometry’s Growth
1:10:04 How Can We Sustain Comedy?
1:13:35 Labour’s Potential Approach to Free Speech
1:21:04 Challenging Anti-Capitalist Political Leaders
1:27:44 How Can Immigrants Combat their Identity Crisis?
1:30:51 Conclusion

6.1K 989

YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi4zMDg5MkQ5MEVDMEM1NTg2

Konstantin Kisin Defends Book in Battle of Ideas Debate

156.8K views Sunday 30 October 2022

This debate, in partnership with F Star, took place at the Battle of Ideas festival 2022 on Sunday 16 October: https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/session/curing-cancer-is-it-all-about-the-science/

SPEAKERS:
Nicky Drury
genomic counsellor, Nottingham Regional Genomics Service; former member, United Kingdom Human Genetics Commission

Professor Eliot Forster
chief executive officer, F-star Therapeutics; non-executive chairman, Avacta plc; honorary visiting professor of molecular and clinical cancer medicine, University of Liverpool

Miranda Green
journalist; commentator; deputy opinion editor, Financial Times; co-founder, The Day; former Liberal Democrat advisor

Professor Karol Sikora
medical director, Cancer Partners International; founder, Cancer Partners UK; author, Treatment of Cancer; honorary consultant oncologist, Hammersmith Hospital

CHAIR
Ellie Lee
professor of family and parenting research, University of Kent, Canterbury; director, Centre for Parenting Culture Studies

INTRODUCTION
After Covid, a wave of undiagnosed and late treated cancers has arisen in the UK and other countries – a consequence of delayed treatments, cancelled screening and operations, and ever-expanding waiting lists. At the same time, Covid vaccine development has shown how medical progress can be accelerated when the right resources and political will are brought to bear.

But a side effect of the pandemic has been a growing scepticism about scientific and medical authority. Half a century after President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act, firing the starting gun on the War on Cancer, is this a battle we can no longer win – not because of a lack of scientific progress but because of growing distrust of science and medicine?

‘Cancer’ is an umbrella term for hundreds of different conditions, each with its own particular form and potential treatment and much has been achieved. For most cancer patients today, treatment can extend their lives or eradicate cancer altogether, especially when diagnosed and treated early. A vaccine against human papillomavirus virus (HPV) looks likely to slash the incidence of cervical cancers, while the innovative developments in transoral robotic surgery (Tors) offer significant hope to patients with head and neck cancers.

Alongside increasingly effective chemotherapy, radiotherapy and newer proton therapy, immunotherapy has transformed the survival rate across many cancers. Cell-based treatments are ‘curing’ some types of blood cancer and gene therapies offer hope in rare and hard-to-treat cancers. Furthermore, public-health interventions have reduced some major causes of cancer, like smoking and air pollution.

But the number of cancer cases has been rising inexorably and threatens to kill more people in the UK than all of the waves of Covid so far. Many argue that we will be faced with tough choices if we want to beat cancer, for example tackling ‘lifestyle’ factors like smoking, drinking and eating. Yet public health campaigns are sometimes met with doubt or anger in social media. In addition, anonymised personal health data could be an invaluable research tool, but will patients and the public be willing to share it?

Will we ever be able to say we’ve cured cancer? Can we afford to treat everyone? Is prevention as important as treatment – and how willing are the public to follow public-health advice about risk factors for cancer, like obesity and alcohol consumption? Can trust between medics, researchers and the public be restored?

With thanks to Paul Rodriguez for film and editing work.

Debate at Battle of Ideas festival 2022 on Sunday 16 October.

SPEAKERS
Nicky Drury
genomic counsellor, Nottingham Regional Genomics Service; former member, United Kingdom Human Genetics Commission

Professor Eliot Forster
chief executive officer, F-star Therapeutics; non-executive chairman, Avacta plc; honorary visiting professor of molecular and clinical cancer medicine, University of Liverpool

Miranda Green
journalist; commentator; deputy opinion editor, Financial Times; co-founder, The Day; former Liberal Democrat advisor

Professor Karol Sikora
medical director, Cancer Partners International; founder, Cancer Partners UK; author, Treatment of Cancer; honorary consultant oncologist, Hammersmith Hospital

CHAIR
Ellie Lee
professor of family and parenting research, University of Kent, Canterbury; director, Centre for Parenting Culture Studies

INTRODUCTION
After Covid, a wave of undiagnosed and late treated cancers has arisen in the UK and other countries – a consequence of delayed treatments, cancelled screening and operations, and ever-expanding waiting lists. At the same time, Covid vaccine development has shown how medical progress can be accelerated when the right resources and political will are brought to bear.

But a side effect of the pandemic has been a growing scepticism about scientific and medical authority. Half a century after President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act, firing the starting gun on the War on Cancer, is this a battle we can no longer win – not because of a lack of scientific progress but because of growing distrust of science and medicine?

‘Cancer’ is an umbrella term for hundreds of different conditions, each with its own particular form and potential treatment and much has been achieved. For most cancer patients today, treatment can extend their lives or eradicate cancer altogether, especially when diagnosed and treated early. A vaccine against human papillomavirus virus (HPV) looks likely to slash the incidence of cervical cancers, while the innovative developments in transoral robotic surgery (Tors) offer significant hope to patients with head and neck cancers.

Alongside increasingly effective chemotherapy, radiotherapy and newer proton therapy, immunotherapy has transformed the survival rate across many cancers. Cell-based treatments are ‘curing’ some types of blood cancer and gene therapies offer hope in rare and hard-to-treat cancers. Furthermore, public-health interventions have reduced some major causes of cancer, like smoking and air pollution.

But the number of cancer cases has been rising inexorably and threatens to kill more people in the UK than all of the waves of Covid so far. Many argue that we will be faced with tough choices if we want to beat cancer, for example tackling ‘lifestyle’ factors like smoking, drinking and eating. Yet public health campaigns are sometimes met with doubt or anger in social media. In addition, anonymised personal health data could be an invaluable research tool, but will patients and the public be willing to share it?

Will we ever be able to say we’ve cured cancer? Can we afford to treat everyone? Is prevention as important as treatment – and how willing are the public to follow public-health advice about risk factors for cancer, like obesity and alcohol consumption? Can trust between medics, researchers and the public be restored?

10 1

YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi4xMkVGQjNCMUM1N0RFNEUx

Curing cancer: is it all about the science?

690 views Sunday 30 October 2022

This debate took place at the Battle of Ideas festival 2022 on Sunday 16 October: https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/session/from-zero-covid-to-let-it-rip-did-anyone-do-covid-right/

SPEAKERS:
Professor Sunetra Gupta
professor of theoretical epidemiology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford; award-winning novelist

Peter Kurti
director, Culture, Prosperity and Civil Society program, Centre for Independent Studies; adjunct associate professor, School of Law, University of Notre Dame Australia; author, Beyond Belief? Thinking Again about the Voice to Parliament

Rob Lyons
science and technology director, Academy of Ideas; convenor, AoI Economy Forum

Freddie Sayers
executive editor, UnHerd; former editor-in-chief, YouGov; founder, PoliticsHome

CHAIR
Max Sanderson
editor of weekly podcasts, Guardian

INTRODUCTION
In March 2020, governments around the world decided what kind of strategy to adopt in response to the rapidly spreading coronavirus. From ‘zero-Covid’ to ‘let it rip’ – and everything in between – each saw its fair share of positive and negative column inches. But as we were so often told, comparisons between countries were always going to be hard while the virus was still rampant.

Now, almost three years on from the identification of the new virus, do we finally have enough evidence to say whether anyone actually got it right? How would we even begin to measure that? Like so much in the pandemic, will an answer depend on which of the numerous measurable effects one values the most? And ultimately, is it even possible to compare different countries – each with their own complex and unique set of socio-demographic factors?

With thanks to Paul Rodriguez for film and editing work.

Debate at Battle of Ideas festival 2022 on Sunday 16 October.

SPEAKERS
Professor Sunetra Gupta
professor of theoretical epidemiology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford; award-winning novelist

Peter Kurti
director, Culture, Prosperity and Civil Society program, Centre for Independent Studies; adjunct associate professor, School of Law, University of Notre Dame Australia; author, Beyond Belief? Thinking Again about the Voice to Parliament

Rob Lyons
science and technology director, Academy of Ideas; convenor, AoI Economy Forum

Freddie Sayers
executive editor, UnHerd; former editor-in-chief, YouGov; founder, PoliticsHome

CHAIR
Max Sanderson
editor of weekly podcasts, Guardian

INTRODUCTION
In March 2020, governments around the world decided what kind of strategy to adopt in response to the rapidly spreading coronavirus. From ‘zero-Covid’ to ‘let it rip’ – and everything in between – each saw its fair share of positive and negative column inches. But as we were so often told, comparisons between countries were always going to be hard while the virus was still rampant.

Now, almost three years on from the identification of the new virus, do we finally have enough evidence to say whether anyone actually got it right? How would we even begin to measure that? Like so much in the pandemic, will an answer depend on which of the numerous measurable effects one values the most? And ultimately, is it even possible to compare different countries – each with their own complex and unique set of socio-demographic factors?

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YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi4wOTA3OTZBNzVEMTUzOTMy

From Zero Covid to 'let it rip': did anyone do Covid right?

985 views Sunday 30 October 2022

The vision of a property-owning democracy has fallen flat as the prospect of owning a home increasingly becomes a pipe dream for many. A terrific panel discuss what's going on in this excellent Battle of Ideas Festival debate in October 2022. Does this crisis require a renewed commitment to mass housebuilding?  Given the UK has twice as much land tied up in protected greenbelt compared to that already developed, is it time to use it to build new towns or even entire new cities? How can ambitious but high-quality development be realised amidst environmental/energy targets, labour shortages, planning restrictions and restraints on innovation? The panel don't all agree but their insights are vital. A must watch and share.

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 33 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite. 

The speakers on this panel are:

Charlie Winstanley
North West co-ordinator, Enough is Enough; political advisor to the Mayor of Salford

Simon Cooke
Urbanist; former regeneration portfolio holder and leader of the Conservative group, Bradford City Council

Ike Ijeh
Writer; architect; head of housing, architecture and urban space, Policy Exchange; founder, London Architecture Walks

Rabina Khan
Writer and commentator; former councillor and special advisor; author, My Hair Is Pink Under This Veil

Austin Williams
Senior lecturer, Dept of Architecture, Kingston University, London; honorary research fellow, XJTLU, Suzhou, China; author, China’s Urban Revolution: understanding Chinese eco-cities

The Chair is:
Alastair Donald
Co-convenor, Battle of Ideas festival; convenor, Living Freedom; author, Letter on Liberty: The Scottish Question

The vision of a property-owning democracy has fallen flat as the prospect of owning a home increasingly becomes a pipe dream for many. A terrific panel discuss what's going on in this excellent Battle of Ideas Festival debate in October 2022. Does this crisis require a renewed commitment to mass housebuilding? Given the UK has twice as much land tied up in protected greenbelt compared to that already developed, is it time to use it to build new towns or even entire new cities? How can ambitious but high-quality development be realised amidst environmental/energy targets, labour shortages, planning restrictions and restraints on innovation? The panel don't all agree but their insights are vital. A must watch and share.

Filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers. Please help us fund our volunteer centre and edit suites to bring you 33 more illuminating debates from the festival. We are struggling to stay open and every donation counts. It's easy to chip in on our JustGiving page and we'd be hugely grateful https://www.justgiving.com/worldwrite.

The speakers on this panel are:

Charlie Winstanley
North West co-ordinator, Enough is Enough; political advisor to the Mayor of Salford

Simon Cooke
Urbanist; former regeneration portfolio holder and leader of the Conservative group, Bradford City Council

Ike Ijeh
Writer; architect; head of housing, architecture and urban space, Policy Exchange; founder, London Architecture Walks

Rabina Khan
Writer and commentator; former councillor and special advisor; author, My Hair Is Pink Under This Veil

Austin Williams
Senior lecturer, Dept of Architecture, Kingston University, London; honorary research fellow, XJTLU, Suzhou, China; author, China’s Urban Revolution: understanding Chinese eco-cities

The Chair is:
Alastair Donald
Co-convenor, Battle of Ideas festival; convenor, Living Freedom; author, Letter on Liberty: The Scottish Question

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YouTube Video UExVSkdPQ004Y1VKblZqWndsU0FDck5RVXJPMTRPNDFsSi4yODlGNEE0NkRGMEEzMEQy

HOW DO WE SOLVE THE HOUSING CRISIS?

414 views Thursday 27 October 2022

Identity Politics Destroys Creativity & The Arts -- and Attacks the Working Class. Battle of Ideas.

13.2K views Thursday 20 October 2022