Roundtable with Prof Paul Weller on Challenges for Religion and Belief in Equalities, Human Rights and Inter-Faith Relations in a post-Brexit Referendum Britain

Tue, 23 May 2017 12:30 in Discussion Forums

Date: 23rd May 2017
Time: 12:30

Programme

12:30 Light lunch and refreshments
13:00 Welcome and Introduction
13:05 Speech by Prof Paul Weller
13:45 Discussion and Q&A
14:25 Closing remarks

Abstract

The result of the June 2017 Referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union reflected a very divided public opinion. Whatever positions were taken on the Referendum question, it is clear that the triggering of the Article 50 process towards a withdrawal from membership of the European Union at least potentially represents one of the most momentous combinations of social, political, economic and cultural changes to impact on the corporate planning assumptions that had been in place for government, business, society, as well as for many individuals and families, over a period of around two generations.

Paul Weller will introduce the discussion with a presentation that comes from a particular fundamental position with which it is anticipated that not all round table participants will agree. This approach has been taken rather than that of an introduction based on a balanced presentation of “on the one hand this” and “on other hand that” with the intention that it might lead to a lively round table discussion between participants of different views on both (1) the basic matter of EU membership and future relations with the European Union; as well as (2) the possible benefits and losses in relation to matters of religion and belief equalities, human rights and inter-faith relations that might accompany the process of the Brexit negotiations and/or follow on from one of more of its possible outcomes. Among the issues to be engaged with are those including the ways in which the current Article 50 process and later potential outcomes might impact on such questions as:

How far will the current operative framework on religion and belief equalities, and human rights continue? How far should it do so?
Are there distinctive British traditions that might re-emerge in relation to religion or belief equalities, human rights and inter-religious relation? Will this be a good thing?
Are there current developments in the European Union that are problematic for religion and belief equalities, human rights and inter-religious relations?
What current and future foreign policy challenges and opportunities may arise in relation to religion and belief equalities, human rights and inter-religious relations?

About Prof Paul Weller

Paul Weller is a part-time Professor in the Centre for Trust Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University, and in the Social, Cultural and Legal Research Centre at the University of Derby. He is also Research Fellow in Religion and Society at Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford; and Director of Religion and Belief Research and Training Ltd. He is a Christian in the Baptist tradition of Christianity, married to a German Roman Catholic, with children who are both British and German.