28 September 2009

Politicians to gather in Dundee for 'question time' style debate

Politicians from across the spectrum will assemble in Dundee tomorrow night (Monday) for a grilling from the public during what is sure to be a lively Question Time-style debate.

The University of Dundee Politics Society has organised an open debate featuring representatives of six political parties based on the format of the popular BBC series, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The politicians who have agreed to appear at the event are Nigel Farage MEP (UKIP), Murdo Fraser MSP (Conservative), Jeremy Purvis MSP (Liberal Democrats), Malcolm Chisholm MSP (Labour), Robin Harper MSP (Scottish Green Party) and Stewart Hosie MP (Scottish National Party).

The panel will answer questions from the audience and debate issues arising from them. Mitan Patel, Chairman and Deputy President of the Politics Society, said the event had been organised to try and generate more interest in politics amongst students.

'We expect a large student audience to attend an absolutely fantastic debate,' he said. 'We have managed to arrange for no less then six distinguished politicians to come and speak, and we are grateful for their attendance.'

'The Politics Society has strived very hard to try to counter political apathy amongst students by holding stimulating events that give students the opportunity to hear a range of political viewpoints on the biggest issues affecting the country.'

'This event is a reflection of our efforts to give students a step into the world of politics and encourage them to utilise their right to vote, which is especially important in the run up to the General Election next year.'

The event takes place in the D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, at 6.15pm on Monday, September, 28th. The audience will then be invited to continue the debate over friendly drinks at the Dundee University Students Association.

Now in its fourth year, the Politics Society was established for people who enjoy a good debate about local, national and international politics. It is a non-partisan, politically independent group, which welcomes members of all persuasions, and hosts a series of formal and informal events.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277