The Britain in Europe Conference brought together academics, journalists and politicians from across the continent to discuss issues such as British Euroscepticism, how the European Union is presented in the media, and what an EU exit following 2017’s planned referendum would mean for the nation.

“The Britain in Europe conference was a timely debate about what a British exit from the European Union would mean for this country and indeed the rest of the EU,” said Conference organiser and Senior Lecturer in Journalism Dr Paul Rowinski.

“It was a fruitful start of the conversation, which should perhaps be repeated again next year.

“The feedback received suggests the speakers and audience found it illuminating. We have not had this debate for the last fifty years - perhaps now is a good time.”

Such was the success of the full-day event, Dr Rowinski is now working on a book based on topics from the Conference, with publishers already showing interest.

Keynote speakers on the day included Lord Roger Liddle, Tony Blair’s former Special Advisor on European Policy, Berlin Correspondent for The Times David Charter and Dr Stephan Russ-Mohl, Director of the European Journalism Observatory.

Bedfordshire’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell spoke at the event, drawing on his background as ex-Foreign Office Minister and former Chair of Labour’s Britain in Europe Group.

Mr Rammell said:

“The Conference proved to be a highly insightful and valuable event and a demonstration of the high-profile speakers and academics the University is able to attract.

“Bedfordshire was exactly the correct institution to host such a debate, with our global outlook and position as a truly international University.

“Furthermore, the event has come at the perfect time, mere weeks away from the general election and in the run up to a possible EU referendum in 2017.”

Radio LaB 97.1fm, the University’s student-led community radio station, was also involved, interviewing the likes of Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins and David Campbell Bannerman MEP.

The Conference also provided a platform for students to speak, with current and former MA International Journalism students presenting their research papers.

Luke Peterson, who graduated in 2014 and now works in the University Communications Team, said:

“Speaking at the Conference was a fantastic opportunity to be amongst and engage in discussion with leading thinkers in the sector.

“Not only good for the CV, the chance to present served as a true vindication of the work produced and education received on the International Journalism course.

“Furthermore, it’s a demonstration of how the University is tailoring its students to think globally and understand how experiences such as the Britain in Europe Conference are vital to broaden horizons and increase employability.”