Events

Parliamentary Meet on Net Zero with Sir Christopher Chope MP

We were very pleased to hold a meeting in Parliament for members, with supper afterwards. It was addressed by Christopher Chope, one of only 5 MPs to vote against the 2008 Climate Change Act (at least there was a vote- unlike for Net Zero in 2019!). David Cameron swore the 5 would never achieve office under him, now Kemi Badenoch is disowning Net Zero by 2050.

The science may not be settled, but the current law is. Net Zero by 2050 (which may not even be achievable, let alone desirable) is driving up energy costs and helping to de-industrialise the UK. It needs to be subject to a cost/benefit analysis and re-thought.

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Golden Jubilee Reception & Supper

Stanway House, Gloucestershire GL54 5PQ

Friday, 26th September 2025

Earl of Wemyss

The Earl of Wemyss & March DL

Requests the pleasure of your company at The Freedom Association Golden Jubilee Reception & Supper to be held at Stanway House, Gloucestershire GL54 5PQ

on Friday 26th September 2025

Chairman:
David Campbell Bannerman
Chairman of The Freedom Association

Speakers
The Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP
The Rt Hon Sir John Redwood

6.30 p.m. ~ Lounge Suit

Download the full information on this event, including how to apply for tickets, by clicking here.

50th Anniversary Dinner 1975 - 2025

By Tim Scott

We are 50 years young and to mark the occasion we held a dinner, organised by Tony Hilder and chaired by David Campbell-Bannerman.

The venue was the lovely Penshurst Place near Tonbridge in Kent, the home of the De L’Isle family. Members may recall that the late Viscount De L’Isle was one of our founders.

The weather did not let us down and the evening started with a drinks reception, outside in the Courtyard. We then processed through into the Baronial Hall, which dates back to 1341. It reminds one of a smaller version of Westminster Hall with its arched ceiling. We were very pleased with the attendance of nearly 80 guests, including sitting MPs Christoper Chope, Mark Francois and Andrew Rosindell. Former MPs and MEPs also attended. The Hon Philip Sidney represented the De L’Isle family. Speeches were held during and after the dinner. We heard from Christopher Chope, former Aldershot MP Gerald Howarth and former Cabinet member Sir John Redwood.

Sir John’s speech and David Campbell-Bannerman’s reply can be viewed using this link:

Sir Christopher Chope's speech can be found here.

Sir Gerald Howarth's speech can be found here.

In summary, it was both an entertaining and successful evening. Here’s to the next 50 years!

New Independent Media Conference

Tim Scott attended the above conference in London and we had a stall there. New Media (NM) is reporting on issues and stories that otherwise might not be heard, and is giving our Legacy Media (LM) a run for its money.

NM is linked with, but distinct from, social media like Twitter X and Facebook. UK shows like TousiTV and Dan Wooton are attracting good size audiences, especially among a younger cohort, and setting the agenda. It is huge in the USA, with presenters like Meghan Kelly, Josh Rogan and Tucker Carlson leading the way.

New technology has lowered the traditional barriers and costs to entry. Our LM (especially the BBC!) has all too often been wrong on issues like immigration, severity of lockdowns, the COVID lab leak and Israel. There is a growing demand for NM and it is helping people find their voice.

Freedom Festival

Held jointly with the Margaret Thatcher Centre, this annual weekend event was again held at the
University of Buckingham. The 200 attendees heard from the likes of Toby Young, Iain Dale, Claire Fox and David Frost.
Tim Scott and David Campbell-Bannerman also both spoke. It's a great event, with many opportunities to meet and share with like-minded people.

Webinar with Lord David Frost

We were delighted when Lord David Frost joined us recently for a Webinar with members. His background is as a diplomat (Ambassador to Denmark) and civil servant. However, he is best known for heading up the UKs Brexit negotiations under Boris Johnson and is now a member of the House of Lords.

Parliamentary meeting with Joy Morrissey MP

We were very pleased to be hosted in Parliament by Joy Morrissey, MP for Beaconsfield, on the topic of Free Speech- in particular the Universities Free Speech Act. Members joined David Campbell-Bannerman and Tim Scott for supper afterwards.
Labour were threatening to not implement this Act, passed under the Conservatives, despite it being passed by Parliament and receiving Royal Assent. Eventually, it took the threat of Judicial Review to force them to do so.

Battle of Ideas Festival

Battle of Ideas is always worth attending, with many great speakers, events and debates. TFA had a stall there and Tim Scott spoke in a 'Defending the West' session. We'll be attending the 2025 one, in London on Oct 18 & 19th. https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/