Our past speakers

Alice Thomson
A The Times columnist, Alice Thomson is known for her insightful writing on politics and social issues, having developed a keen voice in British commentary.

Amelia Gentleman
A British journalist, Amelia Gentleman is a long-time correspondent for The Guardian, specializing in social affairs and human rights.

Amit Chaudhuri
A novelist and academic, Amit Chaudhuri is known for his works exploring modern Indian life and culture. He is also a professor at the University of East Anglia.

Anthony Geffen
A BAFTA and Emmy award-winning filmmaker, Anthony Geffen is known for his pioneering work in immersive storytelling and documentary filmmaking.

Ali Miraj
A political analyst and commentator, Ali Miraj frequently contributes to discussions on British politics and global affairs, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary issues.

Ash Sarkar and Mohamed Madi
Ash Sarkar is a British writer, broadcaster, and political activist, often associated with left-wing commentary. Mohamed Madi works closely with Ash and is also involved in media discussions.

Ben Lebus
Founder of Kitchen Whiz, Ben Lebus is a leading figure in food media, having built a brand around helping people cook simply and deliciously.

Clive Myrie
A renowned BBC World Affairs Correspondent, Clive Myrie has reported from various global hot spots and is known for his authoritative coverage of international news.

Cindy Yu
Cindy Yu is a BBC journalist, known for her insightful analysis on Chinese politics and affairs, particularly in her coverage of Hong Kong.

Deborah Joseph
A respected editor and writer, Deborah Joseph is known for her leadership in women’s media, especially in her work at Glamour magazine.

David Leigh
A seasoned investigative journalist, David Leigh has had a long career at The Guardian, where he contributed to many high-profile investigative pieces.

Dov Forman
Dov Forman is an author and researcher whose notable work has focused on historical and contemporary topics related to global conflicts.

Dylan Jones
Editor of British GQ, Dylan Jones is known for his extensive work in fashion journalism and as an influential voice in modern British masculinity.

Ed Couchman
A prominent digital executive, Ed Couchman is the General Manager of Snapchat UK, working with global brands on social media strategy.

Ed Williams
CEO of Edelman UK, Ed Williams leads one of the world’s most influential public relations firms and has an extensive background in corporate communication.

Ella Kemp
A journalist and writer, Ella Kemp is noted for her film and entertainment criticism, particularly in the realm of contemporary culture and cinema.

Emily Maitlis
An award-winning broadcaster, Emily Maitlis is a Newsnight presenter, widely recognized for her sharp interviewing style and in-depth political analysis.

Farrah Storr
Farrah Storr is a respected journalist and the editor of Cosmopolitan magazine. Her leadership in women’s media has made a significant impact on contemporary journalism.

Fiona Harvey
A prominent environmental journalist, Fiona Harvey writes for The Guardian and is known for her coverage of climate change and sustainability issues.

Gabriel Gatehouse
A BBC journalist and foreign correspondent, Gabriel Gatehouse has reported from conflict zones and global hotspots, offering in-depth analysis and reporting.

Gabriel Pogrund and Jim Pickard
Both are journalists from The Financial Times, known for their insightful political coverage in Westminster.

Giles Coren
A renowned food critic and Times columnist, Giles Coren is celebrated for his wit and unique approach to reviewing restaurants and culinary culture.

Helen Lewis
A British journalist and author, Helen Lewis has written extensively on social issues and gender, contributing to outlets like The Atlantic and The New Statesman.

Hugo Rifkind
A columnist at The Times, Hugo Rifkind is known for his witty, often provocative takes on politics and British culture.

Jameela Jamil
An actress and activist, Jameela Jamil is best known for her role in The Good Place and her outspoken advocacy for body positivity and mental health awareness.

James Harding
Former The Times editor and CEO of Tortoise Media, James Harding is a prominent figure in digital journalism with a focus on thoughtful news and storytelling.

James Lamont
An experienced journalist with a strong background in international reporting, James Lamont has worked with The Financial Times and other major publications.

James Marriott
A journalist and writer, James Marriott is noted for his contributions to The Times, where he covers a range of cultural topics.

John Curtice
A leading political scientist, John Curtice is known for his expertise in British politics and is frequently cited in relation to election results and political analysis.

John Humphrys
A legendary broadcaster, John Humphrys is most famous for his role as the host of BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, with decades of experience in political interviewing.

John Micklethwait
Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg News, John Micklethwait has led the global financial news outlet with a focus on business, economics, and global affairs.

Jon Ronson
A journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker, Jon Ronson is known for his explorations of the unusual and bizarre, such as in his book So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed.

Jon Snow
A revered television presenter and journalist, Jon Snow is best known for anchoring Channel 4 News and his extensive coverage of both British and international affairs.

Josh Glancy
A journalist and columnist at The Sunday Times, Josh Glancy writes on politics, culture, and the intersections of both.

Julia Chatterley
A prominent television presenter, Julia Chatterley is known for her work at CNN International, where she hosts business-focused programs.

Jolyon Connell
A columnist for The Week, Jolyon Connell writes about politics, society, and the dynamics of current affairs.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy
A broadcaster and presenter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy is known for his work on Channel 4 News, with an expertise in global affairs and political coverage.

Lewis Goodall
A political correspondent, Lewis Goodall is recognized for his insightful reporting and analysis, particularly in his coverage of British and European politics.

Libby Purves
An experienced broadcaster, Libby Purves has hosted a variety of programs on BBC Radio 4, including Midweek and The Story of the Sound.

Lyse Doucet
A BBC Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet is known for her extensive work in the Middle East and her nuanced reporting from conflict zones.

Marco Bertozzi
Vice-President of Europe at Spotify, Marco Bertozzi leads Spotify’s operations in Europe, focusing on business growth and innovation in digital music.

Mary Hockaday
A senior figure at the BBC, Mary Hockaday has played a key role in the editorial direction of news, particularly in the context of the BBC World Service.

Matthew Freud
An influential public relations executive, Matthew Freud has worked with numerous global brands and is known for his association with the Freud Communications agency.

Michael Crick
A respected political reporter, Michael Crick has been known for his hard-hitting investigations and reporting for Channel 4 News and Newsnight.

Mike Williams
A seasoned journalist and strategist, Mike Williams has worked extensively in both media and corporate communication, with a focus on digital transformation.

Nigel Newton
Founder and CEO of Bloomsbury Publishing, Nigel Newton is known for overseeing the publication of the Harry Potter series, which transformed the global book market.

Nick Pollard
A former BBC executive, Nick Pollard has made significant contributions to the broadcasting industry, including in media strategy and news operations.

Nick Robinson
A veteran broadcaster, Nick Robinson has held numerous high-profile positions at the BBC, including serving as its political editor for many years.

Peter Dart
A senior director at WPP, Peter Dart has been instrumental in shaping some of the world’s largest advertising campaigns for global brands.

Peter Drury
A well-known sports commentator, Peter Drury is best known for his voice on football matches, often praised for his passionate and poetic commentary style.

Rachel Jupp
A senior journalist at the BBC, Rachel Jupp has led several high-profile investigative journalism projects, focusing on both domestic and international stories.

Rebecca Sinclair
An accomplished writer and editor, Rebecca Sinclair is known for her work in both the fashion and lifestyle sectors, bringing insight and creativity to her writing.

Rianna Croxford
A journalist at BBC News, Rianna Croxford specializes in investigative reporting and social justice issues, with a focus on human rights.

Rhodri Talfan Davies
Director of BBC Wales, Rhodri Talfan Davies is responsible for overseeing all BBC operations in Wales and has led the network through major transformations.

Ronan Bennett
A writer and journalist, Ronan Bennett has written extensively on topics of history, politics, and the intersection of both in modern society.

Salma Zulfiqar
An activist and writer, Salma Zulfiqar is known for her work promoting diversity and inclusion within media and public policy.

Sharon White
Chief Executive of Ofcom, Sharon White has overseen regulatory and policy decisions within the UK’s media and communications industries.

Sophia Smith Galer
A journalist and broadcaster, Sophia Smith Galer is a social media expert with a focus on digital platforms, often providing insightful commentary on technology’s impact on society.

Stephen Bush
A political correspondent for The Financial Times, Stephen Bush is noted for his sharp analysis and insights into British politics and public policy.

Stephen Page
CEO of Faber & Faber, Stephen Page has been a prominent figure in the literary world, overseeing one of the most respected publishing houses.

Tim Dowling
A columnist for The Guardian, Tim Dowling is known for his humorous and often reflective writing on family life, society, and personal experiences.

Tim Harford
An economist and journalist, Tim Harford is known for his work on the economics of everyday life and his column in The Financial Times, alongside his books on data and decision-making.

Tortoise Media CEO: James Harding
James Harding is a former editor of The Times and the CEO of Tortoise Media, a startup news organization focusing on slower, more thoughtful journalism.