Brodies to sponsor Charles Kennedy Memorial Debate and Dinner

Senior figures from across the political spectrum are to take part in a memorial dinner and debate in honour of the late Charles Kennedy

The event, which will take place at theGlasgow University Union (GUU), is being held on the evening of Friday 25 September on the motion:

“This house believes that the UK should remain within the European Union.”

The debate will be chaired by The Rt. Hon. Sir Menzies Campbell. Speakers for the proposition include former Chancellor Alistair Darling; Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop; and former Scotland Secretary Alistair Carmichael.

Amongst those opposing the motion are Labour MP Graham Stringer;journalist and political activist Cat Boyd; and co-chairman of Business for Britain, John Mills.

The judging panel will be chaired by Labour’s former communications director and close friend of Charles Kennedy, Alastair Campbell.

He will be joined by Baroness Shirley Williams; the former Liberal Democrat cabinet minister Jo Swinson; BBC Scotland’s political editor Brian Taylor; and the principal of the University of Glasgow, Professor Anton Muscatelli.

Rory Slater, president of the Glasgow University Union said: “Everyone at the Glasgow University Union was devastated to hear the news about Charles earlier this year.

“He was a valued member of the University’s community, not just as a two-term Rector, but also as a former President and active alumnus of the GUU.

“Charles was particularly renowned for his successes in debating, winning the Observer Mace competition during his time here in a golden era on the national and international stage.”

The dinner following the debate is being sponsored by Brodies LLP, with the money raised going towards a memorial fund in Mr Kennedy’s name.

Christine O’Neill, chairman of Brodies, said: “We are very pleased to support the Charles Kennedy Memorial Debate, which not only recognises the significant contribution made to political discourse by a great parliamentarian and debater, but also focuses on an issue that is going to be the subject of intense discussion in the months to come.

“The UK’s future in the EU is a matter of significant importance to us all and we are looking forward to a lively and informative debate on the merits of both sides of the argument.”