The Second Margaret Thatcher Centre Annual Academic Symposium

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, 10 July 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. The list of speakers includes:

• The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind KC, former Foreign Secretary & Defence Secretary (and, at the time, a former Foreign Office Minister responsible for the negotiations)
• Michael McManus, former Political Secretary to Sir Edward Heath
• The Rev Jonathan Aitken, then Member of Parliament for Thanet South
• Sir Gerald Howarth, then Member of Parliament for Cannock & Burntwood
• Lord Norton of Louth FRSA FAcSS FRHistS
• Dr Lee Evans, John Ramsden Fellow, Mile End Institute
• Peter Just, Author, Margaret Thatcher: Life After Downing Street
• Dr Lee Rotherham, Chairman, Museum of Brexit
• Anthony Teasdale, London School of Economics

The symposium is a one-day conference beginning with tea, coffee and pastries, offers a buffet lunch and will be followed by a 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 breakfast, refreshments, lunch, sessions, event materials, exclusive access to the speeches post-event, and a networking drinks reception).

Complimentary student tickets available. (Proof of student status will be requested, please book your ticket via the SELECT TICKETS button).

Registration is at 9.30am, with a prompt conference start time of 10am. The conference will finish at 5pm after which guests will enjoy a drinks reception until 6pm.

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