Students host EU debate

From left: Oldham Hulme Grammer Principal Craig Mairs, Chair of debate Nick James Deputy Principal Oldham Hulme Grammar, Chris Davies former MEP North West for the In campaign, Head Boy and organiser of the event Luke Lancaster and Graham Brady MP for Brexit campaign

LOCAL young people and businesses got to have their say in a debate on Britain’s membership of the European Union at Oldham Hulme Grammar School.

The debate held ahead of the referendum this June was organised by head boy Luke Lancaster and was attended by not only young people but businesses as well as it marked the launch of the annual Oldham Business Festival which is organised by Oldham Business Leadership Group.

Arguing for ‘staying in’ was Councillor Kevin Peel who has been the representative for the Manchester City Centre ward since 2011 and is also heavily involved in the Labour Party’s ‘In’ campaign.

Graham Brady MP - a Member of Parliament for Altrincham and Sale West since 1997 and also chairs the 1922 Committee which seeks to represent the views of Conservative backbenchers – argued for Brexit.

Philip Pearson, who runs Morgan Pearson consultants and also runs Saddleworth Networking, attended the event and said: “It was really good, I enjoyed it.

“I have worked with Councillor Peel before but seeing Graham Brady who is on the 1922 Committee, it was just amazing to be able to hear those people speak.

“They didn’t agree but it was nice to see a well mannered debate unlike the ones you see on the TV.”

Mr Pearson was particularly impressed with the involvement that the young people who attended the event showed in addressing the issues.

He added: “I think the young people were fantastic.

“You can tell that this particular issue is something that they are really interested in.

“They have grown up in a union and have taken a real interest in the issue.

“This debate was really good as it got them fired up to discuss the issues before they go out to vote.

“They were asking questions, they were really engaged and it was a really packed hall and the way they conducted themselves around the school was excellent.

“From my point of view it has given me some food for thought but I definitely want to stay in.”

The networking event began at 1.30pm where a light lunch was served before the debate which ran from 2.30pm to 4pm.