The Big Debate: Should Lying In Politics Become a Criminal Offence?
Mon 19 Jan, 6pm – 7:30pm
Mon 19 Jan, 6pm – 7:30pm
Does it infuriate you when powerful politicians lie to your face? Think of the invasion of Iraq, the Brexit referendum and that damn bus, the Hillsborough disaster, and the wave of sketchy Covid-19 contracts; surely something must be done?
Well Parliament is poised to do just that with the Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2025, introducing a history making offence for deliberate deception of the public by Government Ministers.
Supporters call it a historic safeguard for democracy; but critics warn it could shut down freedom of political expression.
Join The Trawl’s Marina Purkiss, Criminal Law Barrister Lewis Power KC, Professor of Law Eric Heinze, Former ITN Home Affairs Editor Jenifer Nadel, Barrister Anthony Eskander and Deputy District Judge Colin Witcher, as we ask a defining question for modern Britain: should lying in politics become a criminal offence?
This is the Big Debate that invites you to decide!
Event Schedule
6:00pm: Pre-event socialising and networking
A cash bar will be available for refreshments.
6:15pm: Event begins
7:30pm: Event ends

Marcus J. Ball is the founder of ExecProsec and the individual behind the landmark private prosecution attempt Ball v Johnson (2019). He has led a multi-year legal campaign to establish lying in politics as a criminal offence and is funded by over 17,000 members of the public. He is also producing a documentary film on the damage caused by lying in politics and the fight to make it illegal. Marcus has submitted evidence to the Parliamentary Bill Committee urging them to amend this new law against official deceit and he is hosting this debate.
Lewis Power KC is a distinguished criminal law barrister with extensive experience in high-profile, complex cases involving fraud, misconduct, and breaches of public trust. His cross-jurisdictional legal practice and long-standing role as a senior advocate give him authoritative expertise on the boundaries of criminal liability and the practical realities of enforcement.
Jenifer Nadel is an award-winning journalist and the former Home Affairs Editor for ITN, with decades of experience investigating political conduct, criminal justice, and government accountability. She is also the Co-Director of Compassion in Politics, a cross-party organisation campaigning for integrity and honesty in public office.
Marina Purkiss is a prominent political commentator and co-host of The Trawl, a widely followed podcast analysing political discourse and accountability. She has built a substantial platform by scrutinising political messaging, exposing misleading narratives, and engaging large public audiences in critical discussion about truth in public life.
Professor Eric Heinze is an internationally recognized authority on free speech and human rights and Professor of Law at Queen Mary University of London. Author of The Most Human Right, he’s a fearless champion of open, democratic debate and the fundamental freedoms that underpin it.
Anthony Eskander is a dynamic barrister who cut his teeth prosecuting financial crimes. He was on the team prosecuting Boris Johnson for lying to the public, boldly pushing the boundaries of accountability in politics.
Colin Witcher is one of Britain’s top criminal barristers and a Deputy District Judge. A Grade 4 Prosecutor and charismatic legal commentator, he was hailed as a prime-time TV show’s “secret weapon” for his sharp, no-nonsense approach to justice.
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