Longford Lecture


The Longford Lectures are held annually in November in the circular Assembly Hall of Church House, Westminster. They aim to provide a national platform for a serious contribution to questions of social and penal reform.
The Lectures are organised by The Longford Trust which celebrates the achievements and continues the work of Lord Longford. It was established in 2002 by friends and admirers to further the goals he pursued, particularly in the field of social and prison reform.
The Longford Lectures were sponsored originally by The Independent and more recently by the Daily Telegraph.
In addition to the Lectures, the Trust awards The Longford Prize to individuals and organisations who play a prominent role in the field of prison reform.
The broadcaster and journalist Jon Snow chairs the event.

Past Lectures

Full transcripts of all lectures and films of recent lectures available on the website.
YearSpeakerTitle of the LectureChaired by
2002Cherie Booth QCJon Snow
2003John SentamuJon Snow
2004Desmond TutuJon Snow
2005Brenda HaleJon Snow
2006Clive Stafford SmithJon Snow
2007Mary McAleeseJon Snow
2008Jon Snow
2009Sir Hugh OrdeRachel Billington
2010Martha Lane FoxJon Snow
2011Jon SnowShami Chakrabarti
2012Will SelfRachel Billington
2013Bianca JaggerJon Snow
2014:sv:Nils Öberg|Nils ÖbergJon Snow
2015Michael PalinJon Snow
2016Michael GoveJon Snow
2017Ken LoachJon Snow
2018Longford ScholarsJon Snow
2019Lord BlairJon Snow