Think-tank brings Café Politique to Manchester

A series of informal get-togethers and debates is being launched in Manchester by IPPR North.

The first Café Politique takes places next Tuesday 29 June in the evening, from 6pm to 8pm, in the café at Manchester Museum off Oxford Road.

The format has been successfully established by the left-leaning IPPR North (Institute for Public Policy Research) in Newcastle in recent years.

The North West series is still taking shape but will probably see gatherings every two months, chaired by Ed Cox, director of IPPR North.

Speaking at the first Café Politique next week will be Ed Mayo, chief executive of Co-operatives UK. He will be discussing how co-operative models of business are enjoying something of a renaissance and arguing that, with increasing evidence of human behaviour as co-operative, we are missing out if we assume people are only self-interested or competitive.

Cox said: "Café Politique events aim to generate discussion, debate and a convivial atmosphere. They seek to provide a space for people to think, share ideas and to have a lively and inclusive discussion. Each talk involves an interesting speaker, sometimes but not always high profile, who introduces their talk in an accessible and challenging way. We then open to the floor for comment and debate. We want to go beyond a rigid question and answer format, to allow broad participation. Our overall aim is to create an atmosphere where people can talk about the issues they feel passionately about and to open our minds to new ideas."

This event is free and open to all but it is essential to book your place. Please email north@ippr.org to confirm your availability or phone Tamsin Crimmens on 0191 233 9051.

• Co-operatives Fortnight runs from 19 June to 3 July 2010 – visit the website at
  http://www.thereisanalternative.coop/