The 2026 Margaret Thatcher Centre Annual Academic Symposium

About this event

Under the chairmanship of the Academic Director of the Margaret Thatcher Centre, Dr Tim Aker, and building on the tremendous success of our inaugural event, the Margaret Thatcher Centre is proud to continue its annual academic symposium, with the second event of the series taking place on Friday, 20 November 2026, at Churchill College, Cambridge.

This year’s symposium will continue our deep dive into the Iron Lady’s enduring legacy and will further examine the geopolitical and economic shifts of her era in the context of the passage of the Single European Act in 1986.

You will hear from eminent speakers who will explore these issues with an engaged audience of some 100 academics, students, politicians, journalists and supporters.

Chaired by our Academic Director, Dr Tim Aker, the afternoon brings together ministers, insiders and scholars:

• The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind KC – as a Foreign Office Minister at the time he was closely involved in the negotiations

• Sir William Cash CH – MP 1984–2024; the constitutional lawyer who first challenged the Single European Act on sovereignty grounds, and later became one of Mrs Thatcher’s closest allies on Europe

• The Rev Jonathan Aitken – then MP for Thanet South

• Michael McManus – former Political Secretary to Sir Edward Heath

• Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell – Chief Executive of Vote Leave

• Lord Norton of Louth FRSA FAcSS FRHistS – constitutional scholar

• Professor Catherine Barnard, Professor of European Law, Cambridge University

• Neil Hamilton, former Conservative MP and Minister of State, Trade & Industry

• Peter Just – author, Margaret Thatcher: Life After Downing Street

The symposium is a half-day conference beginning with registration at 12.30pm, followed by a buffet lunch at 1pm. The conference will finish at 6pm and will be followed by a 1 hour drinks reception.

Preference is given to existing supporters and past attendees at Margaret Thatcher Centre events.

Right of admission is reserved.

Dress Code: Business Attire

Ticket price: £50 (includes lunch, refreshments, sessions, event materials, exclusive access to the speeches post-event, and a networking drinks reception).

Complimentary tickets are available for students, academics and fellows. (Proof of student status will be requested, please book your ticket via the SELECT TICKETS button).

Cost effective accommodation is available on site at the Møller Institute, priced at £180 per night for single occupancy, available to book here.