Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner’s office announced on Thursday that former Conservative leader, Iain Duncan Smith, would be guest speaker at the Vote Leave rally next week.
Following this news, leader of the Isle of Wight Green Party, Vix Lowthion, has written to Mr Duncan Smith and the (IW) Vote Leave campaign offering to share a platform for debate.
Offer to debate
Vix wrote,
Dear Mr Duncan-Smith and Vote Leave,
I am very pleased to note your visit to the Isle of Wight next Friday 20th May to discuss the EU Referendum. You are correct that this is a once in a generation opportunity to democratically decide on the future of the UK within Europe.
However, I am disappointed to note that you will not be engaging in a discussion with both sides – instead you will be appearing only at a rally, attended exclusively by Vote Leave members and supporters.
Why are you so afraid of debate?
When we launched the first in a series of ‘Island In’ events last month with the visit of the Green MEP for the South East, Keith Taylor, we invited Grassroots Out to an open and public meeting where Islanders got to hear both sides of the issue and make up their own minds. It was a lively and enlightening meeting.
In contrast, this Vote Leave event on the Island next week will be a ‘rally’ for leave supporters. Such a let-down for Islanders who wish to hear real debate. Surely your Vote Leave arguments can stand up to scrutiny?
I am more than willing to share a platform with you and other members of Vote Leave in future weeks, and give the Isle of Wight the event which we so clearly deserve.
Yours sincerely,
Vix Lowthion
Leader IW Green Party
Green Party National Spokesperson for Education
