Sir Iain Duncan Smith has been confirmed as the first guest speaker for the Catholic Union’s “Pub Talks” in 2024.
The Conservative MP, and former party leader, will talk about “China, the Church, and Christian persecution” at an event in London on Monday 15 January.
Benedict Rogers, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch, will be putting questions to Sir Iain about China’s human rights record and the response from the UK Government and Catholic Church.
The Catholic Union’s “Pub Talks” are informal gatherings that give people the opportunity to hear about a matter of interest to Catholics in this country.
Launched in January 2023, the “Pub Talks” series will be returning in 2024, but at a different venue to give even more people the opportunity to take part. The event on Monday 15 January will be taking place at the Morpeth Arms in Pimlico. Doors open at 6pm, with the talk due to start at 6.30pm, subject to parliamentary business.
The event is being hosted in collaboration with Catholics in the Conservative Party. The Catholic Union will be teaming up with different groups throughout 2024 to host these events, including Catholics for Labour.
The event is free to attend, but people need to register in advance as spaces are limited. Please use the Eventbrite link to sign up.
Catholic Union Deputy Director, James Somerville-Meikle, comments: “These events proved hugely popular in 2023 and I’m delighted that we’re able to host them for a second year running. Our first event of 2024 looks set to be one of our best Pub Talks to date. Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Benedict Rogers have been fearless in calling out human rights violations in China and Hong Kong. As Catholics, this is something that we need to be informed about and ask what more our Government and the Church can be doing to help. I look forward to seeing as many of our members and supporters as possible for what should be a fascinating discussion.”