Speaking to the university community via Teams on Thursday 15 July, Baroness Young will outline how states are attempting to balance competing interest during a pandemic – constantly needing to consider global versus local need, economic priorities which are weighed against each other, alongside social and health considerations. 

The spread of Covid-19 has clearly demonstrated that whilst viruses may not discriminate, this one has highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities to a significant degree.

Baroness Young said: “Where might effective challenges to this situation come from? Although it may seem an unlikely proposition, fashion – due to emerging policy shifts, high profile campaigners, and nano and small businesses activists in the sector – offers some interesting perspectives on some of these issues. 

“This talk will explore the ways in which fashion disrupters are scrutinising the ways in which the pandemic, climate change, modern forms of enslavement, racism and historical amnesia intersect, and in doing so point towards an ongoing refresh of critical/analytical ways of thinking about, and implementing change.

“I’m looking forward to speaking to the university in my inaugural lecture as Chancellor.”

The Chancellor’s lecture will be followed by a virtual Q&A session, facilitated by Professor Louise Crewe, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) and Professor of Human Geography in the Faculty of Social Sciences. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West said: “I am delighted to welcome Baroness Young in giving her inaugural lecture as Chancellor. This promises to be a fascinating and engaging event, and I hope that many members of the university community will be able to attend.”

The Chancellor’s inaugural lecture is public, and all are welcome to join. Book online to be invited to the Teams event, which takes place 11am to 12noon on Thursday 15 July.