Introducing the Westminster Lecture Series: Politics, Policy and the Heath Legacy
First in the series: Dominic Grieve KC asks what today’s leaders can learn from the 1970s
The Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation is proud to launch the Westminster Lecture Series—a new programme of public talks designed to foster intelligent, informed debate on the major issues of our time. Held in the heart of Westminster, this series takes inspiration from the priorities and political philosophy of Sir Edward Heath, whose career spanned decades of profound change in British public life.
From economic modernisation and global diplomacy to the challenges of governance in a turbulent world, Heath’s premiership offers a compelling lens through which to consider the political dilemmas we face today. The Westminster Lecture Series invites leading thinkers, parliamentarians, and commentators to do just that—drawing connections between Heath’s legacy and the pressing questions that define the current political moment.
The series begins on Thursday 19 June with a keynote lecture by Dominic Grieve KC, former Attorney General and one of Westminster’s most thoughtful constitutional voices. In a talk titled:
“Back to the 1970s: Are there lessons from the Heath years for generating economic growth today?”
Grieve will explore the striking parallels between the economic climate of the 1970s and the challenges facing Britain in 2025. High inflation, stagnant growth, shifting global dynamics, and the need for strategic economic reform were all issues that confronted the Heath Government—just as they do today. Can modern policymakers draw lessons from the past? Grieve offers a nuanced and historically grounded perspective, informed by his own long-standing engagement with both economic and constitutional affairs.
This promises to be a stimulating and thought-provoking evening, opening up discussion on how political leadership, economic vision, and international strategy can shape national renewal. For anyone with an interest in British politics—past, present or future—this is not to be missed.
The Westminster Lecture Series continues later this year with Liam Byrne MP on the opportunities and risks of trading with China (11 September), and a special event examining Margaret Thatcher’s resignation in 1990 (13 November).
If you are interested in attending, please contact Neil Carmichael to register your place:
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 19 June, 2025
Time: Lecture 6pm, Reception 7pm
Venue: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, Westminster
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.
Attribution: Chris McAndrew
