Liverpool Literary Festival hosts an evening with Lord Michael Heseltine

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Lord Michael Heseltine CH returned to Liverpool yesterday, Monday 3 March, to reflect on his latest memoir From Acorns to Oaks: An Urgent Agenda to Rebuild Britain.

Hundreds of people filled the iconic concert room in St George’s Hall to hear the former Deputy Prime Minister share his experiences and vision for the future of Britain in an event organised by the University of Liverpool’s Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place.

A shot of Lord Heseltine talking in the concert room

Described by Former Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark as “a masterclass of how to get things done” 91-year-old Lord Heseltine’s memoir documents his return to the corridors of power within David Cameron’s government. It offers a damning assessment of what he considers the grievous act of self-harm inflicted on Britain by Brexit.

In a thought-provoking conversation with  Professor Michael Parkinson CBE, Ambassador to the Heseltine Institute, Lord Heseltine spoke about Liverpool’s re-birth, regeneration and renaissance from the 1980s to the present day. He further reflected on global challenges and Britain’s place in the world post-Brexit and post-Trump.

Michael Heseltine holding a microphone and talking to Michael Parkinson

Professor Parkinson said: “All of us at the Heseltine Institute and the University of Liverpool were very pleased to welcome Lord Heseltine back to Liverpool. It was a privilege to talk with Lord Heseltine and hear his thoughts on issues affecting Liverpool, Britain and the wider world.

“It was fantastic that so many people could join us for our discussion, and we look forward to welcoming you to future University events.”

Following the discussion, attendees had the opportunity to buy a signed copy of Lord Heseltine’s memoir.

The event, hosted by the Heseltine Institute, was part of the Liverpool Literary Festival presents series, which showcases important books and memoirs from key figures in the lead up to the annual Liverpool Literary Festival each October.

Lord Heseltine on the right signing books which Michael Parkinson watching over him

Hosted by the University of Liverpool, now in its tenth year, the Liverpool Literary Festival, includes conversations with the best-selling authors, local talent, poetry, drama, discussion and much more.

The 2025 Liverpool Literary Festival will take place between Friday 17th and Sunday 19th October. To be the first to hear about the line up and ticket sales, you can sign up to the Liverpool Literary Festival mailing list here: Join our mailing list | Liverpool Literary Festival | University of Liverpool.

[caption id="attachment_125630" align="alignnone" width="458"] From L to R: Professor Tim Jones (Vice Chancellor), Sue Jarvis (Co-Director, Heseltine Institute), Lady Heseltine, Lord Heseltine, Professor Catherine Durose (Co-Director at the Heseltine Institute) and Professor Michael Parkinson (Heseltine Institute Ambassador)[/caption]

 

All photos credited to Gareth Jones photography.