About

Julian Smith MP is holding free, public debates in both Skipton and Ripon to mark the historic referendum taking place on Thursday 23 June. These will provide a unique opportunity for constituents across Skipton and Ripon to hear a number of distinguished experts engaging in a debate on the UK's membership of the EU. Julian Smith will chair the panel discussion after which there will be an opportunity for questions from the audience.

Immediately prior to the panel discussion, students from constituency schools will put forward their arguments for either remaining or leaving the EU. These students will be selected from entrants to a competition Julian is holding to encourage youth engagement in the EU referendum.

Speakers

Simon Nixon, the Chief European Commentator of the Wall Street Journal, will argue the case for Remaining in the EU. Simon also writes a weekly column for The Times business section and has previously worked for Heard on the Street, The Week, and Moneyweek. Prior to becoming a journalist, Nixon worked in investment banking after graduating from Trinity College, Cambridge.

Nixon will be joined by former Skipton and Ripon MP, The Hon John Watson OBE, in the Remain Camp. Since stepping down from Parliament in 1987, Watson has served as the Chief Executive of Bradford City Challenge, joined the Board of the Yorkshire Building Society and has Chaired Bradford Community NHS Trust. He also represented the Boroughbridge division on North Yorkshire County Council between 2005 and 2013 and received an OBE in 2009 for service to Urban Regeneration.

Alan Halsall, a successful Yorkshire Businessman, entrepreneur and former Chairman of Silver Cross, will by making the case for Leave. Halsall is currently the Co-Chairman of Business for Britain and sits on the board of Vote Leave, playing a crucial role in the direction of the campaign.

Alongside Alan Halsall, Toby Horton, Chairman of UKIP Thirsk and Malton, will argue the case for Leaving the EU. Toby has been involved in politics for more than 20 years and has contested two General Elections in the Thirsk and Malton seat. Horton previously served as aide to William Hague before defecting to UKIP in 2006. He has described the EU Referendum as an extremely important vote that goes far beyond party politics.

Registration

Registration will begin at 6.30pm. During this period refreshments will be available to purchase from the hotel bar. Please note that due to limited capacity you must register in advance of the event and bring the ticket along with you.

This event is being kindly sponsored by The Ripon Spa Hotel.