The Review

Fathers and sons, with Tom Allen

Join Tom in conversation with James Harding, as he talks about his recent book ‘Too Much’ and we explore his journey to being an adult and struggling with manhood

The Westminster Accounts: democracy for sale?

Tortoise joins forces with Sky News to delve into the stories of the Westminster Accounts, and explore how much of British democracy has been up for sale.

Suicide in healthcare: how do we protect NHS workers?

Join us for a special ThinkIn hosted in association with Doctors In Distress, as we attempt to shine some light on the dark plight facing healthcare workers, and explore what can be done to protect healthcare workers.

The Tavistock: what happens now?

Join us as we investigate the unanswered questions from our podcast series The Tavistock: Inside the Gender Clinic.

Tortoise Lates: Masculinity

An evening that tries to make sense of masculinity: what it looks like, how it works, the problems it causes and why we need it.

In conversation with Alastair Campbell

One-on-one with Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding, Alastair will unpick how Westminster’s class of 2022 speaks to the electorate, and the world. Where are they going wrong, what are they getting right, and what should we watch out for in future Government communications

The Responsible Quantum Summit

Conversation around shared languages, national security, global economy and Quantum supremacy with special guests

Building a fairer world: in conversation with Lawrence H. Summers

This ThinkIn will re-imagine how the world is run.

The Tortoise interview: Maria Ressa

Join us for a special Tortoise Interview with Maria Ressa, where she explains what she has sacrificed for the truth, and urges us to pay attention to dark forces in the online world, before it is too late.

The forgotten 500,000: why is the UK government blocking Evusheld?

Join us for a special ThinkIn where we try to understand why Evusheld is being blocked in the same country that makes it, and the impact this decision is having on the people who just want their lives back.

Tortoise Lates: Power and the Press

Tortoise Lates: Power and the Press edition will be an evening of conversations exploring the interplay of power, politics and the press.

The Tortoise Interview: Michael Palin on Iraq

Spend an evening chatting with Micheal Palin

King Charles, the monarchy and Britain now

Examining in detail the procedural, constitutional and cultural shifts that King Charles will bring.

Britain’s new PM: what can we expect?

As Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss take the keys to No.10, what happens now?

Slow News Cafe at the British Library

Bring your morning paper routine to the British Library, with a Tortoise Editor and special guests.

Making sense of democracy, with James Harding

What do you think about the state of the country?

Revival: as London comes back to life… what’s the plan?

What sort of future does London have?

The Hong Kong Diaries: In conversation with Lord Chris Patten

Hong Kong, the handover and what has happened since.

Is global order out of control?

Join us for a ThinkIn with one of the most respected voices in global governance today, Rory Stewart, where we’ll discuss leadership in an era of geopolitical turbulence.

What do we owe each other now? A ThinkIn with Minouche Shafik

The director of the London School of Economics and author of What We Owe Each Other: A New Social Contract, on society, resources and collective responsibility.

Redesigning Work: Is hybrid the answer? A ThinkIn with Lynda Gratton

How can we make remote working work?

The story behind the best British play ever: a ThinkIn with Jez Butterworth

Jez Butterworth on Jerusalem, and what it says about modern Britain.

The future of the BBC: in conversation with Lucy Powell

What does the future hold for public service broadcasting?

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Is China censoring Hollywood?

What happens when producers want to make films with stories that China doesn’t want to be told?

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting: Ukraine special

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting on Twitter Spaces to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting: Ukraine special

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

PTSD in the armed forces: could MDMA be the answer?

What kinds of PTSD does it work for, and are there any other banned substances which could be used in treating mental health conditions?

Does Netflix have a political agenda?

Until recently, it appeared Netflix successfully walked a political tightrope, but could a tumbling share price and a slowdown in new subscribers signal a change of direction?

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

Would privatisation be good for Channel 4?

It looks like 2022 could be a year of decision for the broadcaster. But what would the real impact of a privatised Channel 4 be for viewers and the industry?

Racial privilege: can White Debt ever be repaid?

Why are people still reluctant to engage in any meaningful way with the British legacy of slavery?

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

The changing world order: in conversation with Ray Dalio

When Ray Dalio makes predictions, the worlds of politics, finance and industry listen. Find out what one of the world’s leading financial thinkers predicts for the years ahead.

From ‘third person’ to future Queen: a new role for Camilla?

Has the Duchess of Cornwall quietly become the most outspoken Royal, playing a larger role in modernising the Monarchy than anyone expected?

Open News Meeting

On Wednesday evenings, Tortoise journalists have a weekly news meeting to chew over the live news agenda.

In conversation with Google’s Matt Brittin

Matt Brittin talks about the responsibility that comes with Google’s enormous presence and influence, and the role that digital tech can play in supporting an evolving labour market.

Open News Special Edition on Boris Johnson: what we’ve learnt, and what next?

What have we learned from 2021? What questions remain unanswered, and what new ones have arisen?

Inflation: what’s really going on?

Inflation is going to stick around for a while, and if Rishi Sunak is right and we can’t do anything about energy prices and supply chains, what’s the political response we need right now?

Assisted dying: is the Bill safe?

The Assisted Dying Bill just had its second reading in the House of Lords. What is the reasoning of those in favour, and those who are against?

Chain of command: how can we get businesses, governments, suppliers and customers to Net Zero?

A Cop26 series ThinkIn, in partnership with McDonald’s, where we considered the power of understanding – and acting upon – company supply chains.

Deeds and words matter: how can we close the say-do gap?

A Cop26 series ThinkIn where we asked, how can we communicate the climate emergency without catastrophizing?

Why is it still so hard to talk about mental ill-health?

As the first in a series of ThinkIns that seek to critically examine, and ultimately progress, the public conversation about mental health and wellbeing, we zeroed in on the elephant in the room: many people still don’t want – or know – how to talk about it.

What will life be like in 2041? with Kai-Fu Lee

A conversation with Kai-Fu Lee where we asked, how will AI change the world over the next 20 years?

In conversation with Simon Sinek

An hour with Simon Sinek and his characteristic wit and wisdom, reflecting on the power of optimism in tough times, the future of leadership and how the experiences of the past two years will impact working culture.

In conversation with Ed Balls

Ed joined us live in the Tortoise newsroom for a wide-ranging conversation on his life and politics, and about the meaning of “Global Britain� and the role of “tax and spend� in the modern British age.

Victoria, Succession and Stephen: is drama better at news than journalism?

How do the shifting boundaries between fact and fiction, news and drama reshape our relationship with journalism, and with history? If journalism is the first draft of history, is TV drama now the finished article?

In conversation with Caitlin Moran

Caitlin joined us live for a glass of wine and a chinwag about feminism, music, celebrity culture, politics and more.

The fight for feminism

At a time when women’s rights across the world are increasingly under threat, why is feminism eating itself alive? What can be done to bring everyone together?

Afghanistan: what now?

Although it happened faster than even the Taliban expected, the fall of Kabul was not a surprise. The key question is, what happens now?

Life after Angela: what has Merkel meant to Germany, Europe and us?

The German elections will mark the departure of Angela Merkel, seen by many to be the last great statesperson of our time. What are her greatest achievements? What will be her lasting legacy?

Inequality, incompetents and grade inflation: does meritocracy work?

Join us, with Daniel and Adrian, for a ThinkIn to debate who’s right about meritocracy and to explore the implications of both perspectives on the way we live our lives.

Countdown to Cop26 with Sir Dave Lewis

A special Open News meeting with Sir Dave Lewis, former CEO of Tesco and Chair of the WWF, discussing the likely outcomes from Cop26.

The Tortoise Cyber Summit

The origins of Covid: what do we know?

If we don’t know where Covid came from, how can we prevent all this happening again? We ask the experts.

A ThinkIn with Gordon Brown

Join former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in conversation with James Harding.

Fat cats and pay gaps: should pay transparency be mandatory?

A ThinkIn with Matthew Barzun on The Power of Giving Away Power

Join Matthew Barzun in conversation with James Harding on his new book, The Power of Giving Away Power.

Britain’s productivity crisis: what is the solution?

As we emerge from Covid-19, how can we best reboot the economy and boost productivity? We ask the experts.

The Tortoise Education Summit

Schooling after the virus: can we build back better?

Countdown to Net Zero: what’s the plan for the next 12 months?

Join us for a special ThinkIn to mark the official launch of Tortoise’s Accelerating Net Zero coalition.

A ThinkIn with Keith Anderson, Scottish Power CEO

As part of Tortoise’s Accelerating Net Zero initiative, join James Harding in conversation with Keith Anderson.

What kind of man is the next King?

How much do we really know about the next man to be King? We ask the experts.

A ThinkIn with Alison Rose, CEO Natwest

Join James Harding in conversation with Natwest CEO, Alison Rose.

Can art save the planet?

Join us to discuss how artists are thinking about the climate emergency and maximising their contribution to the climate transition.

Back to reality: how will going back to work work?

As lockdown lifts (again) how will our workplaces ‘work’? Let us know what you think.

The Future of Work Summit

What does the future of work really look like?

Can companies change faster than the climate?

Have “greening� companies grasped the scale of their own responsibilities? What are the obstacles to moving faster – and what’s at stake for those that don’t?

Covid corruption: how much money has been wasted on the Bounce Back Loans?

Has the Chancellor’s ambitious Bounce Back Loan scheme been structured well? We ask the experts.

The Tortoise Climate Summit: How can we accelerate net zero?

Join us to start writing a global to-do list before the world gathers in Glasgow to work out how to save itself.

COP26: who are they kidding?

Will COP26 really be a catalyst for meaningful global action on climate change? Join us to find out.

DrinkIn: Happy 2nd Birthday Tortoise

Share a (virtual) cocktail with us to celebrate our second birthday.

A ThinkIn with Lisa Nandy

Join James Harding in conversation with Lisa Nandy to discuss the direction of the Labour Party on the international stage.

In conversation with Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK

Join James Harding in conversation with Michelle Mitchell on the impact of Covid on cancer services and patients.

A ThinkIn with Jeremy Darroch

Join James Harding in conversation with Jeremy Darroch, Executive Chairman of Sky.

A ThinkIn with Mark Carney on Value(s)

What does value really mean? Join James Harding in conversation with Mark Carney to find out.

A ThinkIn with Jeremy Hunt

Join us to expand on the findings of the Tortoise Covid Inquiry and put your questions to Jeremy Hunt.

Is Britain quietly retiring its army?

What is the army’s role in modern Britain? Join us to find out.

In conversation with Sharon White, Chair of the John Lewis Partnership

Join James Harding in conversation with Sharon White, Chair of the John Lewis Partnership

The Future of Cars Summit

Join us and invited experts to discuss the big questions about the future of cars

In conversation with Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV

Carolyn McCall on the future of home entertainment, public service broadcasting, diversity and representation and much more.

A ThinkIn with David Baddiel on Jews Don’t Count

Join James Harding in conversation with author David Baddiel

The Maxwells: what a family, what a story

What does the psychodrama of the Maxwell family reveal about toxic power in the 21st Century?

In conversation with John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow

Join James Harding over breakfast in conversation with John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow

A ThinkIn with Nadhim Zahawi, Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment

Join James Harding in conversation with Nadhim Zahawi.

In conversation with Caroline Lucas

Join James Harding in conversation with Caroline Lucas as part of our ‘Accelerating Net Zero’ series

What does Carrie Symonds think – and does it matter?

Is Carrie Symonds more of a Dominic Cummings than a Denis Thatcher? And should we care?

Goodbye Donald: end of an era, or start of the sequel?

What next for Trump’s followers? We ask the experts.

Feeding the world sustainably after Covid: how will we do it?

How do we get food to everyone who needs it at a price they can afford?

The Future of Money Summit

Join us an invited experts to discuss the big questions about the future of money

In conversation with Anne Boden, CEO Starling Bank

Join James Harding in conversation with Anne Boden

Trans kids: what has been happening inside the Tavistock?

Join us to take a deep dive into what has really been happening inside the Tavistock

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

Are business leaders stalling over disability inclusion?

Join us to ask why disability inclusion still isn’t on the boardroom table

Does Britain have an answer to immigration now?

Freedom of movement is over, but what does that really mean for Britain?

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

A ThinkIn with Gavin Patterson, President and Chief Revenue Officer of Salesforce

Salesforce’s President and Chief Revenue Officer, Gavin Patterson, in conversation with James Harding

Open News Special: what did we learn in 2020?

What really happened this year? Which stories mattered, and what did we miss?

A ThinkIn with Ed Miliband

The former Labour leader in conversation with James Harding.

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

The Global AI Summit

On 3rd December, second Global AI Summit will imagine a world with AI at its core.

What can smart machines do for humankind and for you?

What role will robots play in society? And how best can they serve humanity?

US Election: The Result – what now?

As the votes were still being counted, we discussed the US election – why it played out in the way that it did, and what the outcome will mean for America and the world.

How do we radically decarbonise our world, while meeting vital human needs?

How can we ensure that people and our planet can coexist harmoniously, and sustainably?

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

Is Jack Ma the world’s greatest entrepreneur?

How powerful is Jack Ma?

In conversation with P.J. O’Rourke on the state of the United States

Join James Harding in conversation with satirist P.J. O’Rourke.

Settled but not resolved: what next for the opioid crisis?

We return to our first ever story, and investigate the opioid crisis in the context of the pandemic.

What is the job of scientists? with Jim Al-Khalili

Have we misunderstood what science can and can’t do?

In conversation with Lionel Barber: inside the corridors of power

Lionel Barber on the powerful and damned.

Members’ Open House

We want you to know how we’re doing, what’s changing in Tortoise, and to hear your feedback directly.

Britain and slavery: Who profited and what should they do now?

What should companies that profited from slavery do now to make amends?

How will the climate crisis transform the Middle East?

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

Will Nicola Sturgeon lead Scotland to independence?

Have the twin pressures of Brexit and Covid gifted independence to the SNP?

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

How do we live with loneliness?

Why is the 21st century the loneliest ever, and what can we do about it?

Open News

Add your voice to the Tortoise editors’ weekly news conference. Bring story ideas and perspectives. Have your say.

Why isn’t the ethnicity pay gap reporting mandatory?

How can we make sure more companies commit to reporting on the ethnicity pay gap?

In other news, Brexit: what’s happening?

Has Covid 19 scuppered the UK’s chances of landing a deal, or could the government still pull it off?

Living Better: In conversation with Alastair Campbell on mental health

Listen to Alastair Campbell’s intensely personal story about coping with depression.

Open News

Join the Tortoise editors and members from all over the world as, together, we grapple with the evolving live news agenda.

A House Through Time: a ThinkIn with David Olusoga & Melanie Backe-Hansen

How do we get 2m under 25s into work?

Under-25s were two and half times more likely than others to have been working in the parts of the economy that shut-down in March.

Digital ThinkIn – Is there such a thing as a fair trial?

Is our justice system still fit for purpose or is wholesale judicial reform long overdue?

Sovereignty & surveillance: In conversation with Shoshana Zuboff

Crisis Leadership – Tony Blair

The UK’s former prime minister in conversation with James Harding.

What does Dominic Cummings think?

In the week of Brexit, we looked at what the PM’s chief advisor – the highly influential Dominic Cummings – means for investment in the north, defence procurement, the future of education; decision-making in government and more.