The session with the author, podcaster and star of Doctor in the House will discuss solutions to stress and how to a lead calmer, happier and healthier life. A further event specifically on male mental health will be held on Saturday 12th October.
The festival, which runs from Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th October, has over 25 events exploring all the major political issues. As well as events on mental health the Festival will debate Brexit, next year’s US presidential election, women in power and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riot.
Celebrated figures featuring this year include Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, journalist and broadcaster Andrew Marr, former Presiding Officer George Reid and former First Minister Henry McLeish.
Speaking on the eve of the Festival, the Presiding Officer the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, said:
“There is always a buzz around the Parliament on the week of the Festival and this year is no different. Given the significance of World Mental Health Day, we are delighted to be welcoming Dr Rangan Chatterjee to the Parliament to look at how we can all lead happier, healthier lives.
“This year’s festival is packed with high quality debate and thought-provoking discussion. With such momentous political shifts taking place it’s essential that people have a space to consider, talk and reflect on the issues that matter most to them. The Parliament is the perfect place for that debate.
“The passion and engagement of our audience is what makes the festival so great and we look forward to welcoming people into the heart of Scotland’s democracy for another terrific Festival of Politics.”
This year’s festival will also feature two exhibitions, and see the return of our popular café bar, with free musical entertainment. The exhibitions will show a selection of portraits from the Royal Society of Edinburgh celebrating some of Scotland’s finest female scientists, and portraits reflecting on the process of ageing on the mind and body as captured by Fionna Carlisle.
Tickets are available at www.parliament/scot/festival.
Events include:
Thursday 10th October
In Conversation with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
18.00 - 19.30 £6.00/£4.00
Dr Rangan Chatterjee is best known for his Doctor in the House television show and as the resident doctor on BBC One Breakfast Show. Yet the practicing GP is also on a mission to inspire people to transform their health and happiness through making small, sustainable changes to their lifestyles. On World Mental Health Day, join Dr Chatterjee in conversation with Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani MSP to discuss solutions to stress on how we
can all lead calmer, happier, healthier lives as outlined in Dr Chatterjee’s book, The Stress Solution and his #1 podcast, Feel Better, Live More.
Friday 11th October
Citizens’ Assemblies
13.30 - 15.00 £6.00/£4.00
Following the success of citizens’ assemblies in Ireland and around the world, Scotland plans to follow suit with a citizen’s assembly held in 2020, bringing together the public and experts to shape recommendations on Scotland’s future. How do they work and why are they suddenly so popular with governments and movements? Join chair Shelagh Wright, Compass, and panellists including Dr Oliver Escobar, University of Edinburgh; Jamie Kelsey-Fry, Extinction Rebellion; and Dr Jane Suiter, Dublin City University, to debate the pros and cons.
In Conversation with Baroness Helena Kennedy QC
15.00 - 16.30 £8.00/£6.00
Barrister, author and Member of the House of Lords, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC is one of the UK’s most distinguished lawyers with over 40 years’ experience. She has championed law reform for women, especially in relation to sexual and domestic violence, and her campaigning has brought about significant change on equal opportunities with the legal profession. Join Baroness Kennedy discussing Eve Was Shamed: How British Justice Is Failing Women, her vital exposé demonstrating legal discrimination against women: from the lack of female judges to the scandal of female prisons and the double discrimination facing BAME women, this event will enrage and inspire in equal measure.
Brexit: Where now?
15.30 - 17.00 £6.00/£4.00
Join our panel of Brexit experts who have the unenviable task of analysing the latest challenges, soundbites and back-stop negotiations to tell us where the UK and Scotland go next on the Brexit road-map. Join panellists including Professor Anand Menon, Director of the UK in a Changing Europe Initiative; Alex Massie, The Spectator; Dr Kirsty Hughes, Director of the Scottish Centre on European Relations; and Tim Martin, chairman Wetherspoons to bring clarity to Brexit.
Can Finland Solve Homelessness?
17.15 - 18.45 £6.00/£4.00
Finland is the only country in the EU where homelessness is falling. Now its radical approach is about to be piloted in parts of the UK. Join chair the Presiding Officer and panellists Sanna Vesikansa, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki; Ewan Aitken, Cyrenians; Kate Farrell, Liverpool City Region; and Mark Johnson, former rough sleeper and User Voice founder, to discuss whether Finland’s solution will work in the UK and how we address this modern plight..
America: The Presidential Contenders
17.30 - 19.00 £6.00/£4.00
Ahead of next year’s primaries, the race is on to see who will win the American Presidential election of 2020. Will President Trump steam roller any noises of Republican discontent and do the Democrats have strong enough candidates to take on the current White House incumbent? Join chair Kenny Farquharson, The Times and panellists, Dr Clodagh Harrington, De Montfort University; Professor Robert Singh, Professor of Politics, Birkbeck University of London Jason Boxt, US pollster; and Dr Mark McLay, University of Glasgow, for a ringside seat.
The Power of Speech
19.15 - 20.45 £6.00/£4.00
A rousing political speech can change lives. From Martin Luther King to Greta
Thunberg’s recent Davos speech, the greatest speeches echo through history. Join chair Rachel Watson, Daily Mail; Kieran Andrews, SPJA Secretary and The Times; and panellists Kezia Dugdale, John Smith Centre for Public Service; Dr Julia Peetz, University of Surrey; and Dr Andrew Crines, University of Liverpool, to dissect the components of a great political speech and whether orators are born or made.
Saturday 12th October
She's Running! How Women Can Stand and Succeed
13.30 - 15.00 £6.00/£4.00
In partnership with the John Smith Centre for Public Service The representation of women in British politics has improved in recent decades yet still fails to reflect a 50:50 balance at all levels of government. Join chair Andrew Marr, BBC and panellists Ruth Davidson MSP, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party; Dr Meryl Kenny, University of Edinburgh; Danielle Rowley MP; and Talat Yaqoob, Equate Scotland to assess the political barriers, share personal experiences and discuss how inequalities can be overcome on individual and societal levels to address the balance.
Stonewall at 50
16.00 - 17.30 £6.00/£4.00
New York’s Stonewall riot 50 years ago was a pivotal moment in the history of LGBTQIA community, but what of Scotland’s evolution? From Section 28 to being saluted as “the gayest parliament in the world” it’s been a dramatic journey. Join chair Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP and panellists Sophie Bridger, Stonewall; Hazel Marzetti, LGBT Youth Scotland; Jo Clifford, writer/performer; and James Morton, Scottish Trans Alliance to discuss what changed and what still needs to change?
Programme availability and tickets
• Tickets are still available online at www.parliament.scot/festival.
• A limited number of tickets are available via the Scottish Parliament in person and via telephone on 0131 348 5200.
• Find full details of the festival programme on the Festival of Politics website.
• Hard copies of the programme are available from most Waterstones and Blackwells bookstores.