Threats to Democracy and How We Can Save It

The past year has seen a number of threats to the democratic basis of our society – restrictions on free speech, the cancelling of elections, a proposed end to jury trials and the continuing threat of the digital ID being introduced by the back door. At the same time, the State seems incapable of upholding the law: two tier policing means we are not treated equally by the boys in blue, Government bodies seem incapable of implementing the Supreme Curt judgement clarifying that sex means biological sex and the ladies is no place for me and violent offenders are released from prison both intentionally and by accident.

What are the reasons behind the Government’s attacks on our democratic rights and how do we defend them?

Speakers:

Tom Slater: Editor of Spiked, regular press and TV commentator, co-host of the Spiked and Last Orders podcasts

Dr Elizabeth Peatfield, senior lecturer in Criminal Justice, Liverpool John Moores University, author Free Speech in Contention

Sebastian Moore: North West Chair of the Social Democratic Party, co-host of the Take Me Home podcast

Chair: Hilary Salt, SDP Greater Manchester co-ordinator

Venue: Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street Manchester, M2 5NS

Time: 7pm for 7.15 start, Monday 23 February 2026