Politicians debate pros and cons of European Union (From Craven Herald)
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Politicians debate pros and cons of European Union
9:00am Saturday 9th March 2013 in News
Jullian Smith, Mike Nattrass, Edward McMillan-Scott, Gerry Sutcliffe, Neil and Christine Hamilton
The pros and cons of the European Union were debated at a Question Time-style event at Skipton’s Rendezvous Hotel.
The debate was chaired by the House of Commons Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans MP, and the panel consisted of elected representatives, Skipton MP Julian Smith, Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire MEP Edward McMillan Scott and West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass.
Other panellists included former government minister Neil Hamilton, now a UKIP supporter, chairman of Broughton-based Silver Cross Ltd Alan Halsall, chairman of Kielbrook-based Euravia Dennis Mendoros and Barry Dodd, chairman of the Global Service and Manufacturing Group and chairman of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Board.
After a gruelling round of cross-examination, the evening ended with Mr Evans calling on the audience to give a show of hands of how they would vote if there was an “in/out” EU referendum. Around two-thirds voted to leave the EU, with one or two abstentions.
Earlier Mr Hamilton’s wife, Christine, had the audience in fits of laughter recalling her experiences as a TV celebrity.
