Constituents from Skipton and Ripon attended the first of two constituency EU debates organised by Julian Smith MP on Thursday night. People from across the area filled the Ripon Spa Hotel ballroom to hear the arguments for remaining in and leaving the EU from a panel of experts.
Former Skipton and Ripon MP John Watson OBE and Wall Street Journal commentator Simon Nixon took to the floor to argue the case for Britain remaining in the EU, while UKIP Thirsk and Malton Chairman Toby Horton and Alan Halsall of Vote Leave spoke in favour of leaving the EU.
The panelists answered questions on a number of topics ranging from farming and agriculture to business and the economy. The debate featured some excellent questions from audience members and the Chair, Sam Thompson.
Julian Smith will be holding a further debate in Skipton on Friday 3 June featuring agricultural expert, Professor Wyn Grant, and a head-to-head debate between Ken Clarke MP and Nigel Evans MP.
Julian Smith MP said: ‘The vote on 23 June is a crucial one for our country. I am organising these events so that constituents can be provided with the facts ahead of the referendum. I would encourage anyone who is eligible to vote to make sure that they are registered to ensure they influence this historic decision for the UK.’
For more information on registering to vote, please visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.