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The Hexham Debates
The Hexham Debates are a series of Saturday morning lectures, followed by discussion, which seek to carry on the tradition of active, radical debate essential for ensuring freedom and justice for all. They are held in the Northumbrian market town of Hexham and are organised by Northumbrians for Peace and Hexham Quaker Meeting. It is hoped that this programme demonstrates ways in which a government’s legitimate power depends on the consent of its citizens, and reveal how far we have moved away from that ideal. The Hexham Debates originated in December 2006, when a small group of concerned individuals wished to respond to Prime Minister Tony Blair's invitation to discuss the renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent. Veteran CND campaigner Bruce Kent was invited to speak in January 2007 at a rapidly organised meeting, when over 250 people came. In the following Autumn, Jeremy Corbyn MP was invited to speak and again a substantial audience gathered. So it was realised that there was an appetite to hear speakers on issues related to Nuclear Disarmament and wider topics. It was then agreed to arrange a series of lectures under the title of Hexham Debates, considering the broad issues of War, Peace and Democracy. The fifth series of Debates is nearing completion. The headings have now been revised to Justice, Peace and Democracy. Details of the Debates will be added below.