The New Writing South Statement provides a platform for an eminent writer to share ideas, articulate passions, and initiate debate on aspects of the power and position of literature in the world. 

The series returns to Brighton Festival and we are delighted to welcome writer, activist and Common People editor Kit De Waal to deliver the New Writing South 2020 Statement on democracy and the literary landscape. Born in Birmingham to an Irish mother and Caribbean father, Kit worked in criminal and family law before turning to a career in writing.

She is the award-winning author of My Name is Leon, The Trick to Time and the recent YA novel Becoming Dinah.