Clare Coatman (Sheffield, CML): Thursday 15th was the launch party for the Convention on Modern Liberty. Henry Porter (Convention Co-Director) and Helena Kennedy QC hosted the party, and spoke along with Anthony Barnett (Co-Director). Each gave a fervent speech on the importance of liberty, and the threats it faces today. You can read Anthony's speech here.
It was held at the Foreign Press Association, Gladstone's old town-house: a tall, stately building behind Trafalgar Square. Cream walls, sparkling chandeliers and baroque mirrors made an appropriate setting for a party sponsored by Vanity Fair and Hennessey.
There was an array of familiar faces in the crowd of around 300 guests which included Bob Geldof, Jon Snow, prominent MP's (David Davis, Damien Green, Chris Huhne), widely read journalists (Yasmin Alibhai Brown, Peter Hitchens), noted philosophers (AC Grayling, Ronald Dworkin), actors (Sam West) and many more. It was an eclectic mix and reflected the nature of the Convention itself: the setting aside of differences for an issue that is just too important not to.
Wine and cocktails courtesy of Hennessy ensured a smooth flow to the evening, which ran on to almost double the intended length.
Miki Yamanouchi took some great photos of the event which can be seen here.
You can check out the Convention website here for more information and tickets.
