Liz Truss has launched the UK iteration of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the InterContinental hotel near London’s O2 arena. The event, which drew fewer than 200 attendees in a room set for 500, featured a series of speakers discussing topics ranging from climate change skepticism to the influence of the “deep state.”
Event Attendance and Logistics
The conference began with an auditorium configured for 500 people, though occupancy remained under 200 throughout the opening sessions. Digital engagement was similarly limited, with at least 19 viewers observed on the event’s live YouTube stream. The choice of venue in south-east London was noted for its contrast with the rhetoric of several speakers, who have historically characterized London as a “no-go zone.” Despite these descriptions, participants arrived at the hotel without reported incidents.
Did You Know? The venue for the UK CPAC was the InterContinental hotel, located in south-east London near the O2 arena, a site positioned in a city that several speakers had previously described as a dangerous “no-go zone.”
Speakers and Agenda
American chair Mike Schlapp opened the event, framing the proceedings as “God’s work” and criticizing the UK as a failing country with failing prime ministers. During the sessions, Liz Truss was introduced by some speakers as if she were still the prime minister, a detail that occurred despite her having left the position following her 49-day tenure. Truss used the platform to unveil the Atlantic Strategy Institute, a new venture she is launching.
The speaker lineup included Toby Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, who discussed his skepticism regarding climate change. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith also addressed the conference, while academic Matt Goodwin spoke on themes of “civilisational erasure” and alleged irregularities in the Gorton and Denton byelection. Other sessions included a panel featuring David Starkey and a discussion on the “deep state” led by two speakers identified as Mike and Steve.
Implications and Future Outlook
The event serves as the platform for Truss’s new Atlantic Strategy Institute, though its long-term influence remains to be seen. Given the participation of figures such as Nigel, who is scheduled to speak on Friday, the conference is likely to continue focusing on the themes established during the opening sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
[Question 1] How many people attended the conference?
[Answer] The auditorium was set up for 500 seats, but fewer than 200 were occupied, with an additional 19 viewers watching via a live YouTube stream.
[Question 2] What new organization did Liz Truss announce?
[Answer] Truss unveiled the Atlantic Strategy Institute during the event.
[Question 3] Who were some of the key speakers at the event?
[Answer] Speakers included Mike Schlapp, Toby Young, Andrew Griffith, Matt Goodwin, David Starkey, and Iain Duncan Smith.
How do you assess the impact of importing international political conference models into the domestic UK political environment?
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