The McWhirter Memorial Lecture is designed to stimulate discussion over the principles of a free society in the memory of Norris and Ross McWhirter, two of the co-founders of The Freedom Association.

The McWhirter twins were champions of individual freedom and were known for their work as both founders of The Guinness Book of Records and for their work as TV presenters, through which their encyclopedic memories and sharp minds were displayed.

They both served in the Royal Navy and were lawyers of repute.

After the death of Ross McWhirter at the hands of the Provisional IRA in 1975, Norris continued the fight for freedom, especially from overbearing state interference in family and individual life.

With this in mind, previous lectures have aided discussion over issues including the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union, English votes for English laws and the introduction of a new British Bill of Rights.

2016 saw the ninth lecture with Martin Howe QC. Martin talked on the topic of freedom and the rule of law and was kindly sponsored by The Hampden Trust and the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies.

Previous speakers at the McWhirter Memorial Lecture have included:

2016: Martin Howe QC – watch video here.

2015: Charles Moore – see photographs here.

2014: The Rt. Hon John Redwood MP – watch video here.

2013: Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali – watch video here.

2012: Nigel Farage MEP  – watch video here.

2011: The Rt. Hon, the Baroness Cox

2010: Sir Gerald Howarth

2009: Lord Parkinson

2008: Lord Tebbit

To read more about the McWhirters, and their connection to The Freedom Association, please click here. To learn more about the principles of a free society – principles that guide the work of The Freedom Association, please click here.