On the 14th October, David Blunkett gave a talk to the Brasenose student-run PPE Society. Many will have remembered Lord Blunkett from his illustrious career in politics, but for those of us a little too young to do so this was an introduction to a remarkable political life. His career of course culminated in his stint as Home Secretary under Tony Blair, but also encompassed many other roles such as leader of the Sheffield City Council in the period when it was dubbed the ‘Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire’. The talk drew widely from these experiences, often through frank and amusing anecdotes. But it was much more than political reminiscence – it was also a forthright, well-argued and moving call for those on the political left not to forget that ideals must be united with a feel for the practicalities of politics and compromise. Blunkett identified grave challenges to the social democratic tradition presented by international trends in trade, culture and migration, which have weakened solidarity and bred mistrust. The political vaccuum created by an ineffective left is open for exploitation by those who peddle false solutions premissed on misinformation – populists, from Farage to Trump. In the mean time, the power of international entities has dislocated the state’s traditional ability to respond to international trends and so we need an effective left more than ever. Blunkett put it that the left must cease internal squabbling, forge compromises and fight for policies which return power to those left feeling hopeless in the face of change. An interesting and often robust debate followed, touching topics from education policy to the war in Iraq, and Lord Blunkett demonstrated that his quick wit at the despatch box translated well to the more sanctified setting of the Brasenose Chapel.
After the talk, some tutors and students gathered to one of our dining rooms, the Medieval Kitchen, to enjoy a fine dinner hosted by the Principal. Lord Blunkett was an amiable and fascinating guest, and we are most grateful for his taking the time both to give a talk and dine with us afterwards.
Currently the Society has one more event scheduled for this term, a talk from Sir Malcolm Rifkind on the 30th November. He will be talking about Russia, which will no doubt be an insightful evening. At the close of this term, the two current Presidents will be retiring to focus on their Finals - with two able successors waiting in the wings. Reflecting on the truly fantastic selection of speakers we have managed to host in the year of the Society’s existence, we would like to express our thanks to the many people who have been invaluable in their support of the Society – in particular, the Principal, the Development Office and our Senior Member, Dr Ferdinand Rauch.
By William Feerick and Vivek Gupta, Presidents of the PPE Society