Visiting professor in the department of politics and sociology at Birkbeck College, University of London and currently presenting Thinking Allowed and Room for Improvement on Radio 4, Laurie Taylor began his broadcasting career as a regular contributor on Robert Robinson’s Stop the Week. Laurie was educated at St Mary’s College, Liverpool, the Rose Bruford College of Drama in Kent and Birkbeck College, University of London where he obtained his BA. He then went on to do an MA at Leicester University, then as an English teacher before joining the Sociology Department of the University of York where he went on to become Professor of Sociology. Before entering academic life, he had eight years industrial and sales experience, worked as a librarian in Liverpool, taught in a London comprehensive school, and was a professional actor with Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop Company at Stratford East. He is a consultant, writes for newspapers and magazines, contributes to television programmes and is an accomplished public speaker. He was recently made a Fellow of Birkbeck College and holds visiting professorships at the London Institute and Westminster University.

Laurie Taylor is participating in the closing session.