Manchester Metropolitan University is holding an event which aims to clear up issues surrounding the EU referendum and encourage young people to vote.
In partnership with the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, MMU is hosting an ‘easy to understand event’ in the form of a major public debate.
The free event, which takes place on May 19, will see professors, lecturers and councillors giving their opinions on the matter.
The experts will be discussing the possible outcomes of the referendum from a political, economic, social, business and legal perspective for the audience’s consideration.
Organiser Jennie Shorley believes the debate could make a big difference to how the people in Manchester choose to vote, particularly those who feel too uninformed to have an opinion.
“We’ll be hearing from specialists who can give clear examples of how the outcome of the referendum will affect things like the economy and the UKs position in the world,” Jennie told MM.
“The aim isn’t to tell the audience which way to vote, we want to encourage people to form their own opinions by presenting the facts which will hopefully allow them to make an informed decision.”
According to Jennie, recent polls have suggested that younger voters are less likely to cast their vote on June 23.
“We’re hoping to attract some younger voters in the hopes that the debate will encourage them to take an interest and go out and vote on June 23,” said Jennie.
“There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the referendum, we want to present the facts clearly so people can fully understand all the issues as the implications of the referendum will affect the UK for generations.”
Professor Malcom Press, Vice Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, will introduce the event before each speaker gives their professional analysis.
There will then be fifteen minute presentations by those campaigning to remain in the EU and those who believe we should leave.
“After the main debate the discussion will be opened up to the floor and audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions,” said Jennie.
“The event will be followed by refreshments in the atrium, where hopefully the discussion will continue.
“That way, audience members who may have felt uncomfortable asking questions in front of the group have the opportunity to continue the debate amongst themselves.”
