Common Knowledge 2026
Join us in Todmorden for a day of talks and discussions for a world in crisis
We live in difficult times; the daily struggle to get by, worsening ecological destruction, simultaneous conflicts around the world, and the possibility that we are hurtling towards a catastrophic global war. An insurgent right-wing has been successful in harnessing the anger and fear that people feel about the way things are, leaving many of us on the left feeling lost.
We think part of what we have lost is a culture of collective discussion, analysis, and learning. We need to re-build both the organisational, educational, and analytical abilities of the left alongside our ability to communicate our ideas clearly to other people. We want this day of political education to be a part of reclaiming this ability to educate ourselves; to listen, to think, and to discuss with each other.
Scroll down for details of the talks and discussions we'll be hosting.
The talks will be followed by longer facilitated participatory discussions on each of the topics, with the speakers present.
Join us in Todmorden for a day of talks and discussions for a world in crisis
We live in difficult times; the daily struggle to get by, worsening ecological destruction, simultaneous conflicts around the world, and the possibility that we are hurtling towards a catastrophic global war. An insurgent right-wing has been successful in harnessing the anger and fear that people feel about the way things are, leaving many of us on the left feeling lost.
We think part of what we have lost is a culture of collective discussion, analysis, and learning. We need to re-build both the organisational, educational, and analytical abilities of the left alongside our ability to communicate our ideas clearly to other people. We want this day of political education to be a part of reclaiming this ability to educate ourselves; to listen, to think, and to discuss with each other.
Scroll down for details of the talks and discussions we'll be hosting.
The talks will be followed by longer facilitated participatory discussions on each of the topics, with the speakers present.
Speakers
Steve Hall
Simon Winlow
Patricia Pino
Jenny Pearce
Keir Milburn
Colin Chalmers
Good to know
Highlights
- 6 hours 30 minutes
- all ages
- In-person
- Free parking
- Doors at 11 AM
Refund Policy
Location
Todmorden Community College
44 Burnley Road
Todmorden OL14 7BX
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
The State of the Left and the crises we face
With speakers Steve Hall & Simon Winlow, authors of books including 'The Death of the Left' and 'The Rise of the Right'. A look at left wing movements and groups, how politics has changed in Britain, and how we might learn from previous cycles of struggle and other movements.
Capitalism, Class & the Economy - how it really works
With speakers Patricia Pino & Colin Chalmers. What exactly is capitalism? What is the economy? How do both function, and what is the role of class in today’s Britain. How does this all impact our political activity, and does anything we do need to change?
WTF just happened?!
With Jenny Pearce, Keir Milburn and others. Looking back at recent events like the Green Party win in Manchester, the formation of Your Party, the local elections, and the various social movements and struggles going on across the country. What do they all mean for the next months and years, and how might we intervene in them to create political possibilities for a better world. Facilitator: Roisin Cavanagh