North West MEP and UKIP deputy leader, Paul Nuttall, is the latest speaker confirmed for an EU debate staged by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce next month.
Mr Nuttall, who has been second in command to Nigel Farage since 2010, will speak at the free event at Preston’s College lecture theatre on May 20 (10am-noon) ahead of the referendum on June 23 on whether the UK should stay in the EU or leave.
He is one of two confirmed speakers for the ‘better off out’ campaign alongside Alan Halsall.
Mr Halsall started his professional life as a qualified lawyer before joining his family’s toy company, Halsalls. The company grew to become the UK’s largest privately owned toy company with a turnover of £72m before it was sold in 2006.
He then rescued the Silver Cross pram company from receivership and, as chairman, turned it into a multi-million pound iconic British brand with sales in 45 countries worldwide.
Speaking in favour of remaining within the EU is Sajjad Karim MEP.
Born in Blackburn, Mr Karim joined the Liberal Democrats in 1989 and served as a Councillor for Pendle Council from 1994-2001.
He was the first British Muslim elected to the European Parliament in 2004, originally as a Liberal Democrat, but then switched to the Conservative Party and was re-elected in June 2009. He qualified as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 1997.
Chamber deputy chief executive, Hugh Evans, said: “Our debate is taking place only five weeks ahead of the referendum.
“The outcome of the referendum will have a huge impact on our economic wellbeing so it’s important everyone listens to the arguments put forward by both camps.
“We’re hoping to be in a position shortly to confirm more speakers but, nevertheless, it promises to be a lively and informative debate with much to ponder.”
Anyone interested in attending should contact the Chamber on 01772 653000 for details.
