Invitation: Prospect specialists to grill both sides in referendum debate

Prospect union specialists to grill both sides in Scotland debate at Glasgow conference

Four hundred delegates gathering in Glasgow for Prospect union’s biennial conference next week will have the forthcoming Scottish independence referendum high on their agenda.



On Tuesday 20th May at 4pm, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister, and Anas Sarwar MP, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, will hold a panel debate, facilitated by Magnus Gardham, political editor of The Herald.

Delegates from across the UK have submitted questions for the panellists, covering issues such as industrial and social policy, public spending cuts and relations with the EU.

Journalists are invited to come along to film, photograph and/or report the event.

Sue Ferns, Prospect Director of Communications and Research, said: "Members from all parts of the UK will ask questions of both sides on their vision for key sectors such as defence, energy, telecoms, science and government service.

"Our members are interested in the impact of constitutional change on the rights and future of working people on both sides of the border. We know that a 'yes' vote is likely to open the door to pressure for constitutional change in other UK regions, so this is relevant to everyone.

"Tuesday's debate follows on from Prospect's work with members in Scotland, which has highlighted their desire and vision for a Scotland founded on social justice and equality. Prospect is not affiliated to any political party and has no interest in telling members how to vote – but we want to make sure that whoever is in power looks after their interests."

Prospect represents 116,000 professionals and specialists across the UK, of whom 11,000 are in Scotland.

The conference will be held at Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre (SECC), Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW and the debate begins at 4pm,Tuesday 20th May.