CTSI Symposium 2020, which had been due to be held in Southport on 15 to 17 June, has been cancelled because of the Coronavirus. The announcement was made on 23 March by CTSI Chief Executive Leon Livermore, who said that he was as disappointed as members would be and that it was a hard decision to make.

He added: "While I understand the central importance of Symposium to the profession and the consumer protection landscape, we must put the safety of our people first. Members, partners, sponsors, delegates, exhibitors and session holders and everyone else who makes Symposium the special event that it is must come first. COVID-19 coronavirus is a severe threat to life - it would be reckless to continue with the event.

"Our country and the world face the most significant challenge since World War II. I am confident that we will come together as generations have in the past to overcome this crisis and emerge stronger on the other side.”

Plans are now being drawn up at CTSI on how to provide those who had been planning to attend its 2020 Symposium with a digital offering. This would be in line with the guiding principles laid out by Council for our annual professional event, just at a distance. We are hoping to enable delegates the opportunity to keep in touch with some of the key messages due to take place in Southport.

Leon said: “Over the coming days, we will release further information on the cancellation to you. Please send any queries to [email protected] and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we have answers.”