The 2026 Margaret Thatcher Centre Annual Academic Symposium

About this event

Under the chairmanship of the Academic Director of the Margaret Thatcher Centre, Dr Tim Aker, and building on the tremendous success of our inaugural event, the Margaret Thatcher Centre is proud to continue its annual academic symposium, with the second event of the series taking place on Friday, 20 November 2026, at Churchill College, Cambridge.

This year’s symposium will continue our deep dive into the Iron Lady’s enduring legacy and will further examine the geopolitical and economic shifts of her era in the context of the passage of the Single European Act in 1986.

You will hear from eminent speakers who will explore these issues with an engaged audience of some 100 academics, students, politicians, journalists and supporters. The list of speakers includes:

• The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind KC (who, as a Foreign Office Minister at the time, was closely involved in the negotiations)

• Michael McManus (former Political Secretary to Sir Edward Heath)

• The Rev Jonathan Aitken (then MP for Thanet South)

• Neil Hamilton (then MP for Tatton, who voted for the Act)

• Sir Gerald Howarth (then MP for Cannock & Burntwood, who voted against the Act)

• Lord Norton of Louth FRSA FAcSS FRHistS (Constitutional Scholar)

• Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell (Chief Executive of Vote Leave)

• Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Founder of Vote Leave)

• Professor Catherine Barnard (Professor of European Law; Director of EDI, Cambridge University)

• Peter Just (Author, Margaret Thatcher: Life After Downing Street)

The symposium is a half-day conference beginning with registration at 12.30pm, followed by a buffet lunch at 1pm. The conference will finish at 6pm and will be followed by a 1 hour drinks reception.

Preference is given to existing supporters and past attendees at Margaret Thatcher Centre events.

Right of admission is reserved.

Dress Code: Business Attire

Ticket price: £50 (includes lunch, refreshments, sessions, event materials, exclusive access to the speeches post-event, and a networking drinks reception).

Complimentary tickets are available for students, academics and fellows. (Proof of student status will be requested, please book your ticket via the SELECT TICKETS button).

Cost effective accommodation is available on site at the Moller Institute, priced at £180 per night for single occupancy, available to book here.