None of the above . . .
A half-day event on changes in British party politics. Saturday 19th October 2013.
The Centre for the Study of British Politics and Public Life at the Department of Politics, Birkbeck, invites you to an event examining changes in British party politics:
None of the above . . .
Date: Saturday 19th October 2013
Time: 14:00 – 17:30
Location: Room 532, Birkbeck main building (maps here)
After the local elections of 2013, the projected national vote shares published by the BBC forecast Labour at 29%, the Conservatives 25%, UKIP 23% and the Liberal Democrats at 14%.
If realised, this would be the lowest figure for the Conservatives since 1982 and the lowest ever figure for the Liberal Democrats. It would also be the first time that none of the three main parties in the Commons has scored 30% or more. Is this a long term and fundamental change or a temporary protest vote? Why are British voters turning away from the established political parties? Who votes for the new parties of the right? Why are they more successful than parties of the far left?
Speakers
There will be two panels, both chaired by Tony Wright, Professorial Fellow in the Department of Politics, Visiting Professor of Government and Public Policy at University College London, and former Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase.
Panel 1 (starting at 14:00) – The fortunes of UK far-right parties
Professor Tim Bale (Queen Mary, University of London)
Professor Eric Kaufmann (Birkbeck, University of London)
Dr Gareth Harris (Birkbeck, University of London)
Panel 2 (starting at 16:00) – Alternatives to party politics
Dr Elizabeth Evans (University of Bristol)
Belinda Turffrey (38 Degrees)
Dr Barbara Zollner (Birkbeck, Department of Politics)
Refreshments will be served 15:30-16:00 and there will be a wine reception at 17:30.
To confirm your place, please send an email to britishpoliticscentre@bbk.ac.uk