We saw the very best of Levenshulme last night at the LCA Debate on the EU Referendum held at the Klondyke – engaged people discussing a crucial issue that affects their lives in a thoughtful and respectful manner, posing really probing questions and debating a topic with care and attention. The debate was chaired and moderated by Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary.

The starting point for the evening was not, however, the EU, but a statement of solidarity with LGBT people as a mark of respect following the horrific massacre in Orlando this week. Levenshulme is a diverse and inclusive community that does not shy away from expressing support and solidarity with marginalised groups and the victims of hate either locally or across the world.

The focus of the debate was the EU Refefendum. LCA exists to give a voice to the groups and the people of Levenshulme. Even if Vote Leave had been able to send a speaker the evening would have still concentrated on that – a debate for us, informed by the speakers, not a debate between the speakers. As it was we had the privelege of hearing from Michael Dougan, Professor of European Law at the University of Liverpool. Thanks to Britain Stronger In Europe for connecting Professor Dougan with the LCA for our debate. Although the debate was not recorded Professor Dougan kindly provided a link to a talk he recently gave on the EU.

You can watch the video HERE.

The success of the evening can be measured by some of the feedback below. Levenshulme is just the most wonderful place. Nowhere else in Manchester does this as well as we do.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this event such a success in particular to our speaker but also to the people of Levenshulme.

Comments on the Levenshulme Community Association EU Debate

“Tonight’s busy meeting at the Klondyke was the best thing ever in Levenshulme. Michael Dougan was not after votes, was not in Remain, but simply answered questions with hard facts about what the EU can do – and can’t do, along with possibilities based on evidence Myths were dispelled without a party political agenda. The audience was mint: loads of good questions – people happy to be challenged – and very respectful to each other. We all learned a lot! Everyone agreed that if Professor Dougan was on national TV it would change the shape of this debate. Thanks to the LCA: thanks Jeremy Hoad for one of the most uplifting, respectful and useful meetings ever.”

Susan Mcpherson

“Even as an out voter this was a fantastic night (the bit I saw). Not at all like I was expecting, quite balanced and the people I spoke to said it had really helped answer their questions. Really well done!”

Robert Fleming

“It was good to hear the legal aspects of membership/non-membership. My decision on my vote was mainly based on how I feel about things. After last night I have a clearer idea of how the EU interacts with the UK. It was good to get some facts rather than propaganda. Thanks for holding the meeting.”

Eleanor Tierney

“A very interesting evening, thanks to Jeremy for organising… this is the sort of factual information we need that isn’t available through the media.”

Katy Billington

“So proud of Jeremy Hoad, organising and chairing the EU referendum debate in Levenshulme tonight. Brilliant stuff – I know I’m biased [Paul Magrs is Jeremy Hoad’s partner], but really, I learned such a lot, and I think most everyone else did too. I wish the media had presented us with more of this demystifying kind of stuff. [Michael Dougan] was just excellent, and I think everyone appreciated his matter of fact approach. You’d have to be crazy to want out of the EU, basically – and he patiently explained the lies being told on all sides, and the kind of chaos that will greet us if we leave.

Anyhow – it was fantastic. Can’t we have more of this knd of thing locally? A kind of local Question Time, with people who you can actually engage with and want to listen to..?”

Paul Magrs

“Excellent talk, fair debate and I came away so much more informed about the EU… Knowledge is power, and all that! Thanks For organising this Jeremy. If only there were more actual experts like this in the mainstream media.”

Emily Jones

We are pleased to announce that Britain Stronger in Europe has confirmed the following speaker for the Levenshulme EU Referendum Debate tomorrow.

Michael Dougan

Professor of European Law, Jean Monnet Chair in EU Law, School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool