19.00, 7th Nov at the Dancehouse Theatre, Manchester, UK – Free Entry
Manchester Central candidates will be challenged to explain how they will defend citizen’s privacy and free speech online.
Recent arrests for “offensive tweets” and proposals to put the whole UK population under Internet surveillance and data collection have thrown digital issues into the forefront of political debate.
Candidates will be asked how they will protect Manchester’s voters from dangerous Internet policies, and also ensure that the local digital economy is supported.
Newly formed Manchester Open Rights Group has teamed up with NUJ New Media, No2ID Manchester and Free Software Foundation Europe to run the event which is being widely promoted.
Presentations will also be followed by a Q and A and debate giving the public a chance to quiz candidates on issues effecting one of Manchester’s largest and fastest growing industries.
As well as the digital economy, we invite comments and questions on the use of the Internet for social change and views on the proposed increase in powers of surveillance.
Free Tickets are available from http://www.thedancehouse.co.uk
There is a booking cost if you book online – But you can get a free reservation by ringing the Dancehouse Box Office on 0161 2379753
Speakers
- Tom Dylan – Green Party
- Marc Ramsbottom- Liberal Democrats
- Loz Kaye – Pirate Party
- Lucy Powell (invited) – Labour
- Matthew Sephton (invited) – Conservatives
With support from
- Peter Bradwell – Open Rights Group
- Martin Bryant – Managing Editor, The Next Web
- John Robb – Louder than War
Supporting organisations
- National Union of Journalists
- New Media Industrial Council
- Free Software Foundation Europe
- Manchester Open Rights Group
- Manchester No2ID.
Press contacts: Mick Chesterman 0044 7913 882193, Tom Chiverton 0044 7967 672404
So, what do you think ?