The Brexit Debate: Ten years on
About this Event
Ten years on from the Brexit referendum – the vote meant to set us free from a fractious relationship – Britain is far from taking flight.
Against the wishes of those who voted for greater sovereignty, the government is now pushing for a ‘reset’, with closer alignment to the EU. Those who voted to strengthen Britain’s borders feel betrayed by huge increases in immigration. And, despite striking new trade agreements beyond Europe, our economy remains constrained by continental levels of taxation and regulation.
All this raises a pressing question: was Brexit a mistake – or are its promised freedoms simply yet to be realised? With the government unwilling to act boldly, smoothing Brexit’s edges rather than seizing its opportunities, are we quietly edging back into Europe’s embrace?
Join The Spectator for a special event marking ten years since the referendum. Prominent critics of Brexit – barrister and former Conservative MP Dominic Grieve KC, and Spectator columnist Matthew Parris – will propose the motion ‘This house believes Brexit was a mistake’, with leading advocates, former Brexit Party MEP Baroness Claire Fox and Spectator Editor Michael Gove, opposing. The Spectator’s assistant editor Isabel Hardman will chair.
The event will end at 8.20pm.
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In the heart of Westminster lies the all-day British brasserie, Old Queen Street Café. You can enjoy an exclusive Spectator two-course set menu, before or after the event. For those dining beforehand, we recommend booking a table at 5.15pm to allow ample time to enjoy your meal before the event begins. If you would prefer to dine afterwards, please reserve a table for 8.45pm. Book your table here and enter SPECTATOR in the special requests box.
The Spectator Menu includes:
- Two courses of your choice from a specially curated menu
- Two glasses of OQS Cuvée per diner
- £65 per person, plus service charge
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors open
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:05 PM
Chair's intro
Info: Isabel Hardman will introduce the debate and our speakers.
🕑: 07:05 PM - 07:25 PM
Opening speeches
Info: Each debater will have roughly five minutes for their opening remarks.
🕑: 07:25 PM - 07:50 PM
Debate
Info: The floor is open for speakers to question each other.
🕑: 07:50 PM - 08:10 PM
Audience Q&A
🕑: 08:10 PM - 08:20 PM
Closing speeches
Info: The speakers will have time to conclude their arguments before the audience vote.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 28.95 to GBP 39.35
