On Wednesday 25th November 2015, the School of Education welcomed the Rt Hon David Blunkett, as its guest speaker for the annual Priestley Lecture. The event attracted around 250 staff, students, alumni, partnership schools and guests, and was introduced by Professor Sir David Eastwood, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham.

Rt Hon David Blunkett

David Blunkett presented an hour-long speech addressing ‘Democracy without education for citizenship equals a road to extremism’. His lecture was followed by a Q&A session chaired by Professor Saul Becker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences. Professor Julie Allan, Head of the School of Education invited guests to attend a drinks reception where there was the opportunity for networking.

The event was coordinated by the School of Education and the College of Social Sciences Marketing and Communications Team. Please get in touch if you would like to be kept informed about our future Priestley Lecture events (Email Emma Kneale at: e.f.kneale@bham.ac.uk)

The RT Hon David Blunkett with members from the University of Birmingham