Linda McAvan, Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, Judith Rogerson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Harrogate & Knaresborough, and John Watson OBE, former Conservative MP for Skipton & Ripon, have been confirmed as speakers for a major public debate on Brexit in Harrogate this Friday (25 January 2019)
The debate, entitled Brexit: What Next? is the first of its kind to be held in Yorkshire since the 2016 referendum. The two other confirmed speakers are Andy Brown, the Green Party’s candidate for Skipton & Ripon and Ian Greenberg, UKIP’s Leeds branch chairman and Yorkshire regional secretary.
The event is being organised by North Yorkshire for Europe, who last week delivered a 450-signature petition to Harrogate & Knaresborough Conservative Association inviting the local MP, Andrew Jones, to reconsider his decision not to attend. However, Mr Jones has confirmed he will not be taking part due to other commitments and a policy of not attending events that are paid-entry.
Richard Sadler, chair of North Yorkshire for Europe, said:
We are disappointed that Mr Jones has decided not to attend. This would have been a unique opportunity for him to look his constituents in the eye and explain why he thinks the Government’s Brexit plans would benefit them.
However, we are delighted to have secured such a high calibre line-up of speakers for Friday and we are encouraged by the very strong level of interest we’re getting.
This will be the first debate of its kind to be held in Yorkshire since the 2016 referendum – and it comes at a crucial time in the national debate over our future relationship with our closest partners – the outcome of which will have huge implications for our society and for future generations in Yorkshire and across the UK.
The debate will be chaired by Prof John C. Adams MBE, who has experience of organising political debates at the Wesley Centre and elsewhere in Harrogate, including one during the build-up to the referendum.
Tickets to the debate cost £5 (or £2.50 for students/ unwaged) and are available in advance on Eventbrite.
You do not say what time the debate starts. Can you confirm.