Occupy protests in focus at conference

THE legacy of last year’s Occupy protests and the questions they raised were being debated at a one-day conference in Edinburgh today.

Speakers at the event, entitled Occupy the Issues: Alternatives in Politics, Economics, and the Media, include Kathy Galloway, head of Christian Aid Scotland; religion and philosophy professor Philip Goodchild, who has written a book called Theology of Money; and Edinburgh ethics professor Michael Northcott.

Professor Jolyon Micthell, director of Edinburgh University’s Centre for Theology and Public Issues, one of the groups behind the conference, said: “A year ago, on November 24, 2011, Edinburgh City Council became the first governmental body in the world to officially recognise both the Occupy Edinburgh and the worldwide Occupy Movement. The tents are now gone, but the Occupy Movement continues and the issues remain.

“This conference will examine the sectors of politics, economics, Occupy activists and expert speakers will examine what options might exist for moving toward a more equal, just, and peaceful society.”

The event finishes with a public seminar chaired by CTPI associate director Dr Alison Elliot, at New College on The Mound from 4.10pm.