Huddersfield Literature Festival: Former politician to give talk at University
Former politician Sir Vince Cable is to deliver a talk at the University of Huddersfield as part of Huddersfield Literature Festival, drawing inspiration from his new book Eclipsing the West: China, India and the forging of a new world.
The talk is part of the line-up for the award-winning festival, which is now in its 20th year, with the event being organised in partnership with the University.
Sir Vince was a Member of Parliament for over 20 years, serving as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the coalition government and President of the Board of Trade.
He went on to lead the Liberal Democrat party before retiring from politics in 2019. He has followed China and India for decades, first as a professional economist and later as a senior government minister.
In Eclipsing the West, he draws on the latest data and his political and economic experience to offer a compelling account of what the rise of the Asian superstates means for the future.
Sir Vince is a Distinguished Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute and a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science, holding a PhD in Economics. He has written a number of books exploring economics, political strategy and global power structures.
His latest book was published in September 2025 and is being released in paperback later this year.
He commented: “Literary Festivals have become Britain’s main forum for civilised and informed public debate. I very much look forward to my first appearance at the Huddersfield Literature Festival.”
The Vince Cable talk takes place on Tuesday 12 May, 6.15pm-7.15pm, at the Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre in the University’s Charles Sikes Building. Tickets are £7, with £5 concessions, and are free for University staff and students as well as for essential carers accompanying a ticket holder.
The Huddersfield Literature Festival was founded in 2006 and is marking its 20th anniversary this year. The 2026 programme takes place from 6 to 17 May and is a celebration of books and authors, poetry and performance. The Festival won the Accessible & Inclusive award at the prestigious Yorkshire Post Awards in 2022.
This year’s line-up includes appearances from notable names such as actor, novelist and stand-up comedian Ardal O’Hanlon; Festival Patron and celebrated poet Lemn Sissay; million-copy bestselling author of Chocolat, Joanne Harris; and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
Festival Director Michelle Hodgson added: “We are delighted to be welcoming Sir Vince Cable to the Festival this year as part of our long-standing partnership with the University of Huddersfield. The Festival and the University both have a track record of delivering high-quality events with high-profile speakers, and this promises to be a fascinating talk, especially against the backdrop of the current political climate.”
Many of the 50-plus events are free or low-cost, with some online, and others in person. Key events, such as the Vince Cable talk, include live subtitling as part of a commitment to making the Festival accessible.
As part of the partnership with the University, the events held on campus comprise:
- Exploring Literature, Creative Writing and Poetry in Creative Health on Thursday 14 May, 1.00pm-4.00pm. Free (booking essential). A networking lunch and workshop to share ideas on the role of literature, creative writing and poetry in creative health with Professor Rowan Bailey introducing the work of the University’s National Creative Health Hub.
- These Isles with Brian Groom on Friday 15 May, 2.00pm-3.00pm at Heritage Quay, Schwann Building. Tickets £5. The bestselling author of Northerners, Brian Groom, discusses his latest book, These Isles: A People’s History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.