In light of the upcoming debate between Liberal Democral Leader Nick Clegg and UKIP leader Nigel Farage, and UKIP’s very clear opposition to British membership of the EU, as the party of “in”, the Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire and Humber Edward McMillan-Scott has written to UKIP’s Yorkshire & Humber candidate Jane Collins to challenge her to an IN-OUT public debate.  You can read, Edward McMillan-Scott’s letter below:

Dear Jane,

UKIP have made their opposition to British membership of the European Union very clear. The Liberal Democrats are the party of In Europe In Work and UKIP are the party of out. Our views could hardly be more different.

I believe that British withdrawal from the EU will put millions of jobs at risk, diminish our influence in the world and leave us less able to shape decisions that will affect us.

As the elections approach, I think we should give Yorkshire & Humber voters the opportunity to hear the arguments before going to the polling station. Therefore, I would like to challenge you to a debate in our region on the issue of British membership of the EU.

I will encourage individuals and organisations to take the initiative and organise appropriate events.  I hope you will join with me in this.

My office will be happy to discuss arrangements with yours, should you choose to accept.

I look forward to hearing your response.

Yours sincerely,