Tamasin Cave will talk about the UK's £2bn lobbying industry and the tactics they use to bend government to their will: how lobbyists build relationships with government; their manipulation of the media; the way that they use academics, scientists, think-tanks, front groups and others to spread their messages; and their attacks on opposition groups. She will talk about how the private healthcare industry has lobbied to open up the NHS to more private operators - and how schools are going the same way; how energy companies have hired a small army of lobbyists to persuade government and local communities to support fracking; how the 'revolving door' works to support the arms industry; and more.

Tamasin is a writer, campaigner and commentator. Her new book, A Quiet Word: Lobbying, Crony Capitalism and Broken Politics in Britain, co-authored by Andy Rowell, shines a light into one of the darkest and least-understood corners of our political culture: the UK's £2 billion commercial lobbying industry. She is a director of Spinwatch, which investigates corporate PR and lobbying, as well as government spin. Since 2007, she has also led the campaign for transparency regulations for lobbyists.

Our speaker events have wheelchair access, via a portable ramp which can be installed on-demand. If possible, please let us know you’re coming through contact@merseysideskeptics.org.uk so we can make sure the ramp is ready.

CHRIS COLTRANE: MAKE LOVE AND SMASH FASCISM!


Donald Trump. Poverty. Brexit. Piers Morgan. Yep: the entire planet has turned to garbage. Well, lucky for society then that Chris Coltrane has the solution to LITERALLY all the world's problems, with his 6th solo stand-up comedy show: Make Love and Smash Fascism!

A new hour of hilarious, passionate political comedy to soothe your heart and kick-start your spirit. In his new stand-up special, Coltrane makes the case for optimism in a world filled with hate. He defends refugees against far-right Christians who turn them away (you know: like Jesus would have); he calls out Theresa May (the Waffle-Iron Lady); and he defends social justice using the most powerful and deadly weapon known to humanity: punchlines. And as for the election result: for the first time in years, it feels like the left could win – and Chris offers hope on where we can go from here. Coltrane says: "This year, more than ever, we need cheering up. In a world determined to crush your spirit, laughter is a radical act. And thus, coming to see me do comedy counts as activism."

Never too earnest, and always playful, fans of alternative comedy, intelligent nonsense and engaging storytelling will adore Coltrane's new hour. Mark Thomas says "Chris Coltrane is the future of British political comedy. He is funny, smart, and often right!"


PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS SHOWS:
★★★★★ Three Weeks: "An exciting, exuberant performance which is as informative as it is funny."
★★★★ Chortle ★★★★ The Skinny ★★★★ The Scotsman
The Guardian: "Likeable, upbeat, and an attractive cheekiness… By Coltrane's account, protest is getting funnier – which can only be good news for political comedy."


Our speaker events have wheelchair access, via a portable ramp which can be installed on-demand. If possible, please let us know you’re coming through contact@merseysideskeptics.org.uk so we can make sure the ramp is ready.

Join us for good times and good conversation at Dr Duncan's in Liverpool City Centre. Don't be shy, come along and say hello!