Every day we hear claims about what is good for our health, bad for the environment, how to improve education, cut crime, and treat disease. Some claims are based on reliable evidence and scientific rigour, however many are not. If governments and companies want us to believe them, we should ask them for evidence, as consumers, patients, voters and citizens. Speaker Dr Chris Peters co-ordinates the Ask for Evidence and Libel Reform campaigns.
In 1966 the National Secular Society celebrated 100 years of campaigning for the separation of religion and state. In the run-up to the anniversary they received numerous warm, funny and thought-provoking letters of support from the most influential figures of the day.
The National Secular Society has a long history of campaigning for secular education in the UK.
National Secular Society members and Humanists protesting on Easter Monday in Hyde Park, c.1970.
With the death of Pope Pius XII on 9 October 1958, British news published and broadcast a wave of positive eulogies for the Catholic leader. Celebrated nationally as the ‘Pope of Peace’, the National Secular Society were alarmed by the uncritical reporting of Pius’ leadership.
Peter Cadogan was Chairman of Conway Hall Ethical Society from 1970 to 1981. He was a firm believer in freedom on speech, taking the controversial decision to allow the British National Front to hold meetings at Conway Hall, despite his own anti-fascist convictions.
