22 August 2008

PETER OBORNE DISCUSSES THE SITUATION IN IRAQ

Fresh from covering the political and military situation in Iraq for Channel 4's Dispatches series, leading author and journalist Peter Oborne is attending the Festival of Politics today to give his views on one of the most controversial and internationally contested conflicts of recent times. His session starts at 1pm in Holyrood's Debating Chamber.

Today's Festival will also explore the global financial situation and ask whether the UK is facing a credit crunch or a global depression. Scottish economics journalist Peter Jones and chief executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland Susan Rice will be joined by Evan Davis, presenter of BBC's Dragons' Den programme and former Economics Editor, to discuss how and why the global economy has changed so much in recent months.

Also featuring in today's line-up, a panel of political and cultural leaders, artists and policy makers from across Europe will discuss pertinent issues ranging from the role of artists in exploring identity to whether national and international arts policies are keeping up with political change.

Tomorrow's highlights include the Youth Politics Festival. This event offers people aged 16 to 25 the chance to air their views on a range of topics from human rights, climate change and poverty, to the most important global issues facing young people in Scotland today. Later in the day, political comedian Mark Thomas will discuss issues important to him and reveal how he uses comedy and other non-conventional tools to make serious points.

Sessions take place throughout the day and public and media are invited to attend in the Main Chamber and Committee Rooms. Events in the Main Chamber will be webcast live at www.holyrood.tv.

A full programme can be obtained at www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk or from the Parliament's media relations office, contact details below.

Programme availability and tickets:

Copies of the programme and tickets are available:

Online from: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk

By telephone: 0131 473 2000 (calls via RNID Typetalk: 018001 0131 473 2000). Fax: 0131 473 2003.

By post: to the Festival of Politics, Hub Tickets, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.

In person at the Scottish Parliament or at the Hub.

While most events are free, a small number of events will charge £6 (£3.50 concession) with those wishing to attend advised to book in advance.

Full details of the festival programme are available from www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk

Festival Partners

This year's Festival of Politics is delivered in formal partnership with:

• Carnegie UK Trust and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust
• The Law Society of Scotland
• The Scotsman

The parliament’s media contact is:

Sally Coyne tel: 0131 348 6265
RNID Type Talk calls welcome
Email: [email protected]

Isla Mair tel: 0131 348 6269
RNID Type Talk calls welcome
Email: [email protected]
For public information enquiries, contact 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
Email: [email protected]

Visit our website at www.scottish.parliament.uk