Michael Howard and Robert Marshall-Andrews Turn the Tables on Nick Robinson and Ian Hislop

Cancer Research UK’s infamous ‘Turn the Tables’ event returns on Monday 16th October with another explosive line-up, giving two of the biggest names in Westminster the opportunity to swap roles with two of the UK’s best known political journalists.

This year the renowned lunchtime session will see former Tory Leader, the Rt. Hon Michael Howard MP, and one of the House’s best speakers, Robert Marshall-Andrews QC MP, get the chance to grill the BBC’s Political Editor, Nick Robinson, and Private Eye editor, Ian Hislop, respectively.

The event, held in association with Clifford Chance*, will be chaired by the Rt. Hon. Michael Portillo, while the Rt. Hon. Sir Gerald Kaufman MP will be keeping a tight rein on proceedings as adjudicator.

Joining guests at the fundraising showdown at The Savoy Hotel, London, will be an array of former participants and political heavyweights including the Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, Andrew Neil, Edward Stourton and James Naughtie. There will also be the opportunity for guests to join in the debate and pose their own questions to Hislop and Robinson, for a donation of £100 to Cancer Research UK.

Michael Portillo said: “I always look forward to Turn the Tables. I like to see politicians get the chance to ask the questions and sometimes to make the interviewers squirm.

“With such highly esteemed participants taking part this year, it’s set to be yet another memorable Turn the Tables encounter.”

Ian Hislop added: “I can’t wait. At last a recognition that we commentators are much more important than the people who actually do something!”

Cancer Research UK National Events Committee Chairman Polly Wood said: “This will be the seventh successive Turn the Tables event and, with such high profile names in the hot seats, it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“As well as providing a different slant on the traditional business lunch, Turn the Tables will raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. Since the first event back in 2000, it has raised over £400,000 for the charity. We expect this year will be another resounding success.”

A table of ten for this year’s event costs £3,000, or £3,500 for a table of nine and a distinguished past participant guest. To purchase a ticket, contact Barbara Alexander at Cancer Research UK on 020 7121 6606.

ENDS

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