Debating the Future of Scotland: Charles Kennedy MP on the Case Against Independence

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Debating the future of Scotland: Charles Kennedy MP on the case against independence The debate on the future of Scotland comes to Liverpool with a lecture from Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats and current Member of Parliament for Ross, Skye and Lochaber. Kennedy will argue that Scots should vote to remain part of the United Kingdom in September’s independence referendum at the Adelphi Hotel on Thursday 12 June as part of Liverpool John Moores University’s Roscoe Lecture Series. His views counterpoint those given by Alex Salmond MSP back in 2012 when he argued for Scottish independence to a packed auditorium in St George’s Hall, again as part of the University’s Roscoe Lecture Series. Professor David Alton, Director of LJMU’s Roscoe Foundation for Citizenship, said: “Since 1997, the Roscoe Lecture Series has enabled the people of Liverpool to take part in challenging debates on some of the most pressing issues facing us today. Following the lecture from Alex Salmond two years ago, we are delighted to now present the case against Scottish independence. "Enabling respectful discussions during which alternative points of view can be shared and debated is at the heart of the Roscoe Lecture Series and LJMU’s role as a civic university.” Charles Kennedy represents the UK’s largest constituency - stretching coast to coast, from Cromarty to Ardnamurchan - and was elected to Parliament as its youngest member in 1983. He was leader of the Liberal Democrats party from 1999 to 2006 and is a prominent member of Scotland’s “Better Together” campaign for a ‘No’ vote. Clare Coombes, Press and Publications Officer, Liverpool John Moores University, T: 0151 231 3004 [email protected] Founded in 1825, LJMU is a modern civic university delivering impactful research and scholarship that form the foundation for its interaction with industry, business and the community. The University has around 24,000 students, recruited from over 100 countries, who are enrolled on a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research degrees as well as continuing professional development programmes. LJMU is one of the UK’s leading research active contemporary universities, with world-leading and internationally recognised research taking place across the institution. It also continues to be one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for its interaction with business and the community. This interaction informs both teaching and research at the University and impacts positively on graduate employability, with 92% of graduates being in work or further study within six months of leaving the University..

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