Panel discussion: What is democracy for?

Westminster Abbey hosts a panel discussion, What is democracy for?, on Tuesday 20 October, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. It's run by the Westminster Abbey Institute as part of The Long Story of Democracy, an autumn programme looking at democracy's past, present and future. The central question is how those in public life can renew the enduring democratic values of freedom, compromise and trust, while the UK's democracy grapples with the challenges of artificial intelligence, the impact of social media and the future of the voting system in an often-divided society.

The discussion also weighs whether moral leadership still matters in an era of performative outrage, and how institutions can safeguard space for disagreement and dialogue. The Institute describes its aim as nurturing and revitalising moral and spiritual values in public life and service, drawing on the Abbey's resources of spirituality and theological learning rooted in its daily worshipping life and the broader Christian tradition.

It's held in the Nave, at 20 Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA. Entry is free, though you'll need to book in advance. One thing to keep in mind: the evening is held in the Nave and doesn't include entry to the Abbey itself, so if you're planning to see the rest of the building, that'll be a separate visit. The panel runs from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.