Creating a fairer Britain
The Commission in Scotland is bringing people together to discuss and debate some of the pressing issues facing us in Scotland today. Our Question Time style events join together experts, opinion formers, interested organisations and passionate individuals to consider ways forward on relevant, often contentious, policy areas that impact upon us all.
We believe that it is debate, discussion and the respectful sharing of opinions that will help us shape the kind of Scotland we all want to live in.
Thursday 21st January 2010, Royal Society of Edinburgh
Our third event looked at Scottish National Identity. ‘Homecoming Scotland 2009’ has celebrated Scotland's great contributions to the world and invited Scottish people from all around the globe to celebrate all things Scottish, and to come ‘home’. We examined, amongst other things, how Scotland measures up in attitudes towards:
Closely related with the Independence Referendum Bill and also the developing message that although we like to think we are a fair, welcoming, hospitable and humorous nation, is this how others really see us? Can Scotland live up to its self image? The debate explored issues of identity, equality and the chasm between our national aspirations and cultural norms. In the countdown to an Independence referendum what does it mean to be Scottish?
Thursday 24th September 2009, Scottish Youth Theatre, Glasgow
Our second event was on the subject of prostitution in Scotland and looks at the ways in which Scotland can move forward on this issue. Essentially this debate poses the question: ‘Should Scotland adopt legislation that criminalises the purchase of sex, or is regulation – or indeed is decriminalisation – a better option? Reform, regulate or reject ?’ Our panellists include: Julie Bindel, journalist with the Guardian, Catherine Stephens, International Union of Sex Workers, Bill Skelly, HM Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland, and Roger Matthews, Professor of Criminology at London South Bank University.
Tuesday 24th March 2009, Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Our first event looked at issues raised by two Bills currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament : Assisted Dying and Palliative Care. Our panellists included: Professor Sheila Maclean, University of Glasgow Ethics Department; John Deighan, Catholic Church Scotland; Edward Turner, Dignity in Dying; and Peter Brawley, Scottish Personal Assistants Employer Network.