NSS announces major conference on protecting liberal values

The National Secular Society will bring together speakers from a wide range of fields and viewpoints for a conference on defending liberal values from religious threats.

Secularism 2024: Protecting Liberal Values will take place in London's Covent Garden this October, and promises lively and enlightening discussion with an exciting line-up of speakers.

Speakers include writer, broadcaster and free speech advocate Kenan Malik, who has long spoken out in defence of liberalism.

Also speaking will be journalist Joan Smith, well known for standing up for freedom of expression and women's rights.

Lord Paul Scriven, Liberal Democrat life peer behind a recent bill to disestablish the Church of England, will be there to talk about his bill and why the established church undermines liberal democracy.

Other confirmed speakers include writer Emma Park and constitutional law expert Ronan McCrea. More speakers will be announced over the coming weeks.

The conference will take place on Saturday 19^th October 2024 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden, London. It will cost just £20 for members of the NSS, and £30 for non members. The ticket includes a buffet lunch and drinks reception.

NSS chief executive Stephen Evans said: "In the 21^st century, our liberal democracies are facing evermore complex threats, including rising religious fundamentalism and divisive identity politics.

"This conference will demonstrate why secularism is a key part of the solution to these problems.

"We are excited to be joined by some incredible speakers from all walks of life to have constructive and meaningful discussions about challenging religious privilege to defend the principles which underpin democracy."