Have you ever wanted to know how the European Parliament works and what you are voting for in the EU elections? Here it’s an opportunity to find out more and meet some of the North West candidates, ahead of the EU elections on 23rd May 2019.
Chester for Europe, in collaboration with Weaver Vale for Europe and Eddisbury for Europe are hosting a European Parliament Elections Hustings in Chester for the North West region constituency. This follows on from the highly successful People’s Vote event at The Firs in February where speakers including Lord Stunell and Cristina Tegolo addressed a packed audience on the social, economic and environmental risks associated with Brexit.
Party candidates will be offered the opportunity to introduce themselves, present their ideas and their party manifestos, ahead of these important and potentially historic elections.
Following an introduction to the event, the hosts will give a brief presentation on the structure of the EU Parliament and the voting process. Then, each candidate will be able to give a short speech on their electoral campaign. Candidates will be encouraged to explain their position on Brexit and whether they support a people's vote. The bulk of the event will be a Q&A session, similar to the format of the BBC’s “Question Time”, where both the hosts and the audience will be able to ask relevant questions to the prospective MEPs.
Noel McGlinchey, Chair of Chester for Europe says; ‘At too many European elections in the past very low turn-outs have allowed extreme parties to win a large percentage of the vote. This year, residents are determined to vote. They are determined to vote for mainstream parties to resist the rise of extreme right-wing groups such as The Brexit Party. Residents also want to vote to demand a say on the final Brexit deal through a People’s Vote.’
Confirmed candidate speakers include Dan Price (Change UK), Jessica Northey (Green Party), Julie Ward (Labour), Chris Davies (Liberal Democrats) and Sophie Larroque (UK European Union Party). An invitation has been sent to the Conservative Party for one of their candidates to attend. However, as yet, we have not had a reply. The organisers would welcome a Conservative candidate to the hustings’ panel. Press are also welcome.
Chris Mattheson MP joined Chester for Europe at The Cross, Chester on Saturday May the Fourth (Star Wars Day) to express his support for a People’s Vote and warmly supported the idea of the hustings to encourage a big turnout at the elections. Chris will not be able to attend the start of the hustings because of a prior meeting but hopes to attend before the end to thank everyone for their attendance.
The hustings will take place on the 11th May 2-5 pm at the First School in Chester. Tickets are free of charge, but must be booked on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eu-elections-hustings-for-north-west-region-tickets-60947451468). Previous events organised by the hosts have proven very popular and have quickly sold out, therefore we recommend early bookings to avoid disappointment.