Energy Futures: Global Challenges Debate.

Having conducted a thorough risk assessment of our venue and facilities, and having received advice from a number of external agencies including the police, and internal participants, on health, safety and security issues, the University has decided to postpone the planned debate.

A spokesman for the University said: “We were very keen for students, staff and University guests to experience an open debate of all the energy issues in a welcoming and safe environment. However, the intelligence we have received has led us to conclude that it would not be possible for our speakers, audience and the wider University community to have a free, open and safe debate in the format planned.

“Energy security remains an important policy issue to debate, and one critical to the Lancashire economy. Whilst the University reluctantly feels compelled to postpone the event, it is determined to protect the freedom of speech and is working to enable this debate to take place in an alternative format and setting as soon as can be arranged.”

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The Corporate Communications Team

Notes

Confirmed speakers at the debate included: Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, representing the onshore natural gas industry; Mike Tynan, former CEO of Westinghouse UK and Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield, representing the nuclear industry; Myles Kitcher, MD of Peel Environmental talking about the need to have a balanced energy portfolio and Natalie Bennett, former leader of the Green Party.