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The Climate Putney Debates St Marys Church July 29th 2008 7pm

Climate Caravan | 09.07.2008 19:22 | Climate Camp 2008 | Climate Chaos | Education | Social Struggles

The Camp for Climate Action presents:

+++ ‘Turning the world upside down’: The Putney Climate Debate +++

Monday 28th July 2008
Arrive 6.30pm speakers from 7pm.

St Mary’s Church, Putney, London
Putney High Street, SW15 1SN
Info and Directions:  http://www.putneydebates.com/


October 1647, Putney.

The country has been devastated by civil war. The king has been imprisoned. The landowners in parliament are seeking to consolidate their power. But the soldiers of the new Model Army are camped just 8 miles from Westminster, with the dangerous idea that 'the poorest he that is in England hath a life to live, as the greatest he'. And they are not obeying orders to disperse.

Thus the scene is set for the Putney Debates. The soldiers gather at St Mary's Church, Putney, to present the ‘Agreement of the People’ in St Mary’s Church - a radical document of the time demanding universal votes for men, common rights and freedom for all.

After three long weeks, the king escapes and the transformational energy of the moment is lost. It is a further 271 years before the extremist notion of one man one vote is adopted in British politics (women have to wait a further 10 years). But although the radicals of 1647 miss their moment, their dream of turning the world upside down remains an inspiration today.

July 2008, Putney.

The prospect of dangerous climate change and severe energy shortages loom large and our whole economic system seems on the verge of collapse. Government and big business procrastinate in the wings, but the people know better.. The need for country wide debate is more urgent than ever.

The scene is set for the Putney Climate Debate. Activist from across the country will assemble in front of a public crowd and outline how they would ‘turn England upside down’ to deal with climate change. Speakers and members of the audience, will present proposals for how we can make the transition to a just and truly sustainable society.

Come and join us to listen to, contribute and debate these proposals.

Speakers include:

Andrew Simms (New Economics Foundation)
Penny Eastwood (The Camp for Climate Action) Jenny Jones (London Green Party) Leila Deen (World Development Movement) Simon Okotie (London Citizens) Andy Goldring (Permaculture Association)

Paul Chatterton, Director of the MA Programme ‘Activism and Social Change’ at Leeds University will introduce and facilitate the debate.

Climate Caravan
- Homepage: http://www.climatecamp.org.uk