Edinburgh debate to discuss Magna Carta and Europe

A debate exploring the impact of Magna Carta on Scotland, Britain and their respective relationships with Europe will be held at the University of Edinburgh this month.

The public event, marking the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the charter in June 1215, will see a panel of five academics assess the influence of Magna Carta on British and European identity, values and law.

The debate will also examine the connections of the charter with Scotland and with continental countries, and how its legacy can inform current debates on EU membership and Scotland’s role in Europe.

The panel includes Professor Stephen Church from the University of East Anglia; Professor Michael Keating from the University of Aberdeen; Professor Richard Oram of Stirling University; Dr Gianluca Raccagni of Edinburgh University; and Dr Len Scales from the University of Durham.

The event is part of a seminar series organised by the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies and is sponsored by Blackwell’s and the German Consulate General.

Dr Raccagni of the University of Edinburgh’s School of History, Classics and Archaeology, said: “We warmly welcome the general public to attend this event, which will mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta by exploring its connections with Scotland and continental countries.

“The event will use Magna Carta to discuss Britain’s historical uniqueness in the light of the forthcoming referendum on Britain’s EU membership.”

Magna Carta, Scotland and the continent – historical perspectives takes place on Tuesday 27 October in the Teviot Lecture Theatre, Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG.

The event is free but tickets must be reserved on the university website.