Debate about Freedoms

 

I'm a strong advocate for thoughtful debate about the form that government should take - and the rights of citizens. Such a quality debate took place in Putney in the autumn of 1647.

On Saturday I headed for St Mary's Church in Putney, where the so-called "Putney Debates" took place. The "Festival of Freedoms" website says "It was a pivotal moment in our nation’s democratic past, as men came to discuss the rights of the people, and the fate of the King."

Professor Justin Champion outlined the history and significance of these debates. Some very modern ideas were discussed at the debates. Geoffrey Robertson has written that "The civil war years, 1641-49, first established what today are regarded as universal values - the supremacy of parliament, the independence of the judiciary, the abolition of torture and of executive courts, comparative freedom of speech and toleration of different forms of religious worship." The Putney Debates were informed by, and discussed, ideas from a group which has come to be known as the Levellers. Tony Benn has written about them - and that piece is available here.

There are some excellent books about the debates. I've been reading the book "presented by" Geoffrey Robertson (as opposed to written - he has written a superb introduction. but the bulk of the book is material written by the levellers themselves).



I also picked up Dorian Gerhold's book at the church.



The transcripts of the debates, a (in effect, civil service) clerk was in attendance to record what was said! To read more go here.

More events are planned in the coming days at Parliament's Festival of Freedoms - see the pdf of the Festival Guide here.