Help us fundraise for The Economist Educational Foundation, working in schools to shore up democracy in an age of AI & global change.

Join us at Gorhambury to explore the future of democracy, the rising threat of political polarisation and the crucial role education must play in an age of AI and rapid global change.

Lord Gove (Michael Gove) is the Editor of The Spectator and one of the most prominent and influential political figures of recent decades. Having served in the Cabinet across five government departments - including a landmark tenure as Secretary of State for Education - he steered through some of the biggest reforms to British schooling in half a century.

Joining him in conversation is Flora Letanka, CEO of The Economist Educational Foundation and former Teach First teacher. Daughter of the Earl and Countess of Verulam, Flora spent her childhood at Gorhambury - a house steeped in educational history and the birth of modern scientific inquiry through its association with Francis Bacon - making it a uniquely fitting setting for a debate on the future of learning in the age of AI.

Together, Flora and Michael will tackle the big questions facing the next generation: Is AI making us stupider or simply changing how we think? How do we teach young people to navigate fake news, TikTok echo chambers and extreme polarisation? And how do we empower the voters of tomorrow to "disagree agreeably"?

The discussion will also feature insights directly from Gen Z, as students join the stage to share their perspectives on current affairs, debate, and the future of civic life.

Supporting The Economist Educational Foundation

This Fireside Talk is held in direct support of The Economist Educational Foundation, an independent charity working to give young people the critical thinking and communication skills they need to thrive in a complex world.

During the evening, guests will hear directly about the Foundation’s high-impact work and will be invited to contribute generously to support its mission, helping The Foundation to expand its reach to millions of children worldwide.

Timings:

Doors open at 6:30pm

Champagne reception 6:30pm

Talk starts promptly at 7:00pm (Ends 8:30pm)

Access & Parking Information:

Please note:

Gorhambury House is a historic building; there are a fair number of stone steps and uneven floors throughout the house.

Arriving by car:

Easily accessible from the M1 (Junction 8) and M25 (Junction 21a). Please enter AL3 6AE into your GPS for the estate entrance at the Roman Theatre off Bluehouse Hill. Once at the gate, update your GPS to AL3 6AH for the main house, where you will be directed to parking.

*photography by Roger Harris / House of Lords

Description supplied by the event organiser.