The John Smith Centre organises a variety of
events open to the public throughout the year.
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FEATURED EVENT 23/05/2023
Women in Public Life – Baroness Helena Kennedy Power Hour
Power Hours
The Centre hosts online Power Hours which examine a different aspect of power in politics and public life. From the role of special advisers to opposition backbench MPs, to Government ministers and think tank directors, we're spending 60 minutes with key decision makers looking at their early careers, the big issues they've grappled with and their hopes and fears for the future.
Explore our archive of past Power Hours, including our Director’s Cuts where Kezia Dugdale has summarised all the best bits from each event.
David Muir Speaker Series
The bridge between students and the most seasoned professionals in politics, policy and the media
Past Events
How female friendly are our parliaments?
Join our Centre Director, Kezia Dugdale, for a day-long workshop discussing how gendered the Scottish and European Parliaments are.
Women in Public Life – Lisa Nandy MP Power Hour
Watch back our Power Hour with Lisa Nandy MP
Women in Public Life – Claire Hanna MP Power Hour
Watch back our Power Hour with SDLP MP, Claire Hanna.
WATCH BACK: Women in Public Life – Ali Goldsworthy Power Hour
Watch back our Power Hour with Ali Goldsworthy on polarisation.
WATCH BACK: DO YOU TRUST POLITICIANS?
We were delighted to be partnering with the Festival of Politics to hold an event on trust in politics with Resham Kotecha, Brian Taylor and others.
Does the House of Commons need urgent reform?
We spoke to Dr Hannah White about her new book: "Held in contempt: What's wrong with the House of Commons?"