Free Thinkers

We are what we eat? Ultra Processed People
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | The Hop Merchant, Nottingham, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AG, United Kingdom
Recently, there has been much controversy surrounding Arla, and a state of anxiety over additives in processed foods.

Cattle are now allegedly being fed with Bovaer (an additive that is supposed to reduce their methane output). This controversial product is also potentially health hazardous to humans.

With more and more UPF on the market, are we now seeing the results of too much artificial interference? Are we at the juncture where we face a food crisis similar to BSE?

Maybe the supermarkets are unwilling to take action in fear of losing profits. Is it time that the FSA investigated these products more thoroughly?

Join us for another indepth discussion and debate. Once again, all opinions are welcome, and we only ask that you respect everyone else’s opinion. Please also refrain from offensive language.

The event is free, but as always, we would appreciate you purchasing a drink or two from the bar downstairs (soft drinks count).

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Freethinkers Christmas Party
2024-12-21 13:00 - 17:00
Christmas party!

Is the UK about to run out of power?
2024-10-26 13:00 - 15:00
We are constantly being reminded by the MSM and various government agencies, such as Ofgem, that Net Zero is the ultimate panacea in order to combat climate change.

However, recent independent analysis has suggested that the rush to decarbonise the electricity grid could lead to energy shortages in the future.

The last UK coal fired power station, Radcliffe-on-Soar, just down the road off the A453, was decommissioned last month. Work is still ongoing to construct a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point in Somerset, which won’t come online until after 2030.

The new Labour government is 100% committed to maintaining the UN sustainability goals and therefore ensuring that all electricity generation in the future will be Net Zero.

Fusion generators are many years (if not decades), away from becoming viable. Gas is becoming scarce and extremely expensive. No further licences have been approved for fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea.

Our only short-term option is to rely on our vast network of onshore/offshore wind turbines and the proliferation of solar farms. Recently, these methods of power generation provided less than 50% of our energy needs.

With more and more electrical products, including EVs, being purchased by consumers, not to mention 1.5 million extra houses being built in the next five years, will the National Grid possibly be able to take the strain?

Join us for our monthly discussion/debate. All opinions are welcome. Please respect the opinions of others and refrain from using abusive language.

The venue is free on the condition that everyone purchases at least one drink from the bar downstairs (this doesn’t have to be alcoholic).

We look forward to debating with everyone.

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Policing 21st Century Britain: Do We Need to Rethink?
2024-09-14 13:00 - 15:00
As requested by a few members, this month’s discussion will focus on recent activities.

The world’s first Police Service was founded 1829 in Britain. Bobbies took their nickname from the Prime Minister of the day, Robert Peel (they were also known as Peelers in the early days).

Before this time, local sheriffs/magistrates or Constables were responsible for maintaining order. Any riots or mob activity would be suppressed (often quite brutally) by the armed militia, as in the Peterloo Massacre of 1819.

Luckily, we’ve moved on quite a lot from these dark times, and by the mid 20th century, the modern police force was respected by many citizens. Since this time, several Acts of Parliament have been passed in order to further modernise the Police.

However, over the past few years, we’ve witnessed an epidemic of demonstrations, some peaceful as in road blockages by JSO and others quite violent as with the recent attacks.

Many have questioned whether bias exists within police services. Are Police Crime Commissioners effective? Or are they just another layer of needless bureaucracy? Do we need more bobbies on the beat? Do we need more engagement with local communities to stop further clashes?

Are politicians to blame? Are they merely abandoning our Police Service to its own devices? During Lockdowns, many police officers were bemused as to ‘what regulations they should enact’.

Are the Police just being used as scapegoats in a political arena that has become toxic and with no accountability from the Home Office.

Join us for a lively Saturday afternoon debate, all’s we ask is that you respect the opinions of others, and we expect everyone to respect yours. Also, we don’t condone the use of inappropriate language.

The bar downstairs serves drinks (a lime cordial only costs 50p), so we’d appreciate it if you were curtious enough to buy a beverage or two.

Look forward to debating with everyone. Please bring along any evidence you may have as regards the topic.
