How we choose special guests
We choose special guests whose expertise contributes to the wellbeing, safety and democratic participation of people in the UK.
We seek politically moderate speakers. By this, we mean people who respect peaceful democratic debate, the rule of law, equal rights and people’s freedom to disagree.
Respect for democracy
Guests must respect democratic participation, peaceful political change and the right of others to express different views.
We exclude speakers where reliable evidence establishes that they promote:
political violence or intimidation
authoritarian or one-party rule that removes democratic rights
the suppression of political opponents through coercion
racial supremacy or the denial of equal civic rights
Respect for people’s dignity and safety
We exclude speakers where reliable evidence establishes that they promote:
racism, antisemitism or hostility towards people because of their religion
misogyny: hostility towards women or treating women as inherently inferior
portraying a group of people as less than human
harassment, coercive control, exploitation or abuse
A constructive contribution
Each session must help members communicate, participate in public life or resolve disagreement constructively.
We exclude speakers where reliable evidence establishes their involvement in promoting or assisting:
attacks or threats against people in the UK
terrorism or political violence
secret interference intended to undermine UK democratic processes
hostile operations that threaten public safety or national security
Criticism of government, institutions or policy does not, by itself, establish hostility towards the UK.
Independence and funding
We ask about relevant employers, clients, sponsors, funders and organisations the speaker represents.
We exclude a booking where verified evidence establishes that the appearance is directed, financed or materially supported by an organisation promoting any of the activities excluded by this policy.
Support is material if it:
pays for the appearance or relevant work
controls the message
attaches conditions to participation
creates a substantial dependence connected to the session
We investigate significant relevant funding links even when a speaker says they are appearing independently. A remote association or shared nationality does not establish funding or control.
An educational purpose
Guests must agree that their session will serve its stated educational purpose.
We do not accept booking conditions that require:
recruitment for a political party or campaign
political fundraising
access to member contact details
publicity implying that we endorse the speaker or their views
concealment of relevant funding or affiliations
the exclusion of reasonable questions or challenge
How we assess evidence
Where available, we use relevant material from the original source, including:
complete statements and recordings
official findings
organisational publications
funding disclosures
We distinguish established facts from allegations. We give speakers an opportunity to explain significant concerns.
We consider the context, seriousness and recency of the concern, alongside any credible change in conduct.
Booking decisions
We put a booking on hold when essential information is missing.
We decline a booking when an exclusion is established or the speaker refuses necessary disclosures or event conditions.
Before the event, we recheck changes that could affect the booking decision.