Professor J.R. Spencer, CBE, QC (hon)
The speaker began by examining the concept of "the truth", giving a lawyer's perspective on a philosophical question. He discussed the history of access to the truth, and the control of it, throughout the ages – leading to conclusions about how these matters are now customarily viewed in modern democracies in the West. John examined the current threats to that understanding: including irresponsibility and monopoly ownership of the press and unlimited access to the internet and social media. He concluded by discussing possible remedies.