Democracy on Trial: The promise of democracy

Sun Jun 07 2026 at 10:45 am to 01:00 pm UTC+01:00

Room RCH/037 - Ron Cooke Hub | York

York Festival of Ideas
Publisher/HostYork Festival of Ideas
Democracy on Trial: The promise of democracy
Advertisement
Is democracy inherently flawed? Join critic Dex Hunter-Torricke and experts as they put the history and future of democracy on trial.
About this Event

Speakers: Dex Hunter-Torricke (keynote speaker), Gavin Esler (keynote chair), Claire Ainsley, Paul Cartledge, Danny Dorling, Daniel Trilling and Sam Fowles (chair)

Democracy is in the dock. Looking back at its origins, was the system always flawed? Is the current crisis simply the result of an economic model that was always at odds with political equality – the ‘one person, one vote’ ideal?

Our keynote speaker, Big Tech insider-turned-critic Dex Hunter-Torricke takes to the stand, with a cross-examination by journalist and author Gavin Esler. Dex is followed by other expert witnesses, including Claire Ainsley, Director of the Center-Left Renewal Project at the Progressive Policy Institute; Danny Dorling, a leading UK geographer; Paul Cartledge, an expert on Ancient Greece; and journalist Daniel Trilling. Our chair for this section of the proceedings is Sam Fowles, a barrister specialising in public and constitutional law.

Join our citizens’ jury as we put our system on trial. Hear the evidence, witness the cross examination and cast your vote. The defendant is democracy. The verdict is yours.

Keynote: 10.45am to 11.30am

Panel: 11.45am to 1pm

This event is part of the Festival Focus series ‘Democracy on Trial’ presented in partnership with the Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy. You may also be interested in ‘’ and ‘’ also on Sunday 7 June. Come along to one session or join us for the whole day.

Presented in collaboration with the Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy, which is generously supported by the C and JB Morrell Trust.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please ensure you use the correct email address as this is where your ticket will be sent. If you do not provide the correct address, you will not receive the acknowledgement email or ticket.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Room RCH/037 - Ron Cooke Hub, Campus East, York, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in York

June Sunday Walk - Six Peak Challenge The Cheviots - 16 miles\/27km
Sun, 07 Jun at 08:30 am June Sunday Walk - Six Peak Challenge The Cheviots - 16 miles/27km

Harrow Glade, YO30 5ZF York, United Kingdom

American Super Stock Street Weekend Rd 5
Sun, 07 Jun at 09:00 am American Super Stock Street Weekend Rd 5

Melbourne Raceway

GLASS PAINTING & GLAZING - 1 Day Beginner Workshop
Sun, 07 Jun at 09:00 am GLASS PAINTING & GLAZING - 1 Day Beginner Workshop

York Cemetery

York Dolls House & Miniatures Fair - Summer Fair 2026
Sun, 07 Jun at 10:00 am York Dolls House & Miniatures Fair - Summer Fair 2026

York Racecourse

Photography: Beginner Taster Session in York
Sun, 07 Jun at 10:00 am Photography: Beginner Taster Session in York

York Art Gallery

Connecting with Nature on Campus
Sun, 07 Jun at 10:30 am Connecting with Nature on Campus

School of Arts and Creative Technologies

Monthly York Walk - Hosted by our friends at Team Pointy
Sun, 07 Jun at 11:00 am Monthly York Walk - Hosted by our friends at Team Pointy

The Fulford Arms

Other Voices
Sun, 07 Jun at 11:00 am Other Voices

Room PZA/103, Piazza Building

AI, Care and Psychological Safety for Older Adults
Sun, 07 Jun at 11:00 am AI, Care and Psychological Safety for Older Adults

Institute for Safe Autonomy

Imag[e]ining the Past
Sun, 07 Jun at 11:15 am Imag[e]ining the Past

Ron Cooke Hub

Alne Street Fayre
Sun, 07 Jun at 11:30 am Alne Street Fayre

Church Wind, York, YO61 1, United Kingdom

The Writer's Room
Sun, 07 Jun at 12:15 pm The Writer's Room

The Lakehouse - Ron Cooke Hub

York is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore York Events