UKIP chief set for Fylde visit for big festival

The colourful and controversial leader of the UK Independence Party and one of the main advocates of an EU exit will be debating the pros and cons of BREXIT at a Business Breakfast organised by the Festival and the new Businesscloud magazine.

The organisers say they had hoped local MP Mark Menzies would defend the ‘in’ position but Mr Menzies has other engagements that day.

Final details are yet to be released but the debate will take place in the Grand Marquee on Lytham Green on Thursday, April 21 at 8.30am. A full line up of the other panellists will be announced next week.

More than 100 top business leaders from all over Lancashire are expected to be in attendance together with members of the general public..

David Haythornthwaite, one of the festival organisers said: “I am delighted Nigel accepted our invitation to attend but disappointed that our local MP Mark Menzies chose not to.”

Mr Menzies said: “As it is my job to represent the people of Fylde, I will be working in the House of Commons which is sitting on the day in question.

“I immediately sent my apologies and provided details for an alternative speaker, the North West MEP Sajjad Karim, who I understand has now agreed to take part.”