In Defence of Politics

Bernard Crick published his classic work In Defence of Politics fifty years ago in 1962, arguing the crucial importance of politics as a vocation in a largely indifferent age. Ten years later in 1972 he was the founding Professor of the Department of Politics at Birkbeck College. From the 1950s until 2008 he was involved with Political Quarterly as editor, board member and contributor.

In the spirit of Crick's work, the Department's Centre for the Study of British Politics and Public Life and Political Quarterly will mark the two anniversaries with an event on the defence of politics.

The idea behind the occasion is to consider how if at all politics might be defended. The questions derive from the work of Bernard Crick, to consider how his questions might be answered today: Is Politics Doomed? and Why are politicians so hated and what can be done about it?

Crick’s writing for Political Quarterly has been collected by Steve Ball into an edited volume which will be launched at the reception.

The panels will be chaired by Tony Wright and Michael Jacobs, the editors of Political Quarterly. Panelists include Helen Goodman MP (Member of Parliament for Bishop Auckland and Shadow Minister for Media Reform), Rt Hon Frank Dobson MP (Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras and former Secretary of State for Health), Jackie Ashley (The Guardian), Tulip Siddiq (Labour Party Councillor, Camden and cabinet member for culture, Camden Council), Professor Gerry Stoker (University of Southampton), Professor Michael Kenny (Queen Mary, University of London), Professor Joni Lovenduski (Birkbeck) and Dr Jason Edwards (Birkbeck). More speakers TBC.

The format will be two sessions separated by a break and followed by a reception so the whole event will last from about 2 pm to about 6 to 6.30.

1. (14:00-15:30) Is Politics Doomed?

2. (16:00-17:30) Why are politicians so hated and what can be done about it?

Refreshments will be served in the break between the two sessions and a wine reception will follow.

All are welcome. Tickets are free, but please register your place.

Dept. of Politics, Birkbeck: www.bbk.ac.uk/politics

Centre for the Study of British Politics and Public Life: www.csbppl.com

Political Quarterly: www.politicalquarterly.org