An “informed, civilised and passionate” debate on citizens’ rights after Brexit was hosted by Kent Law Clinic on Friday.

The debate, held before an audience of staff and students in the Wigoder Law Building’s Moot Room, was led by Dr Anthony Valcke, founder and supervisor of the EU Rights Clinic at the University of Kent in Brussels, and Kent Law Clinic Director Graham Tegg, a specialist in EU rights and welfare benefits who is responsible for a number of leading cases in the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Each gave presentations on their understanding of the current legal rights of EU and British citizens and presented their analyses of what Brexit might mean for citizens of the UK and of the 27 EU Member States. They also presented sharply differing critiques of the European Union itself and of the potential benefits and costs of Brexit.

Law Clinic Solicitor Sheona York, who attended the debate, said: ‘Both speakers were informed, civilised and passionate, and received deserved applause. The questions from the floor were well thought out and imaginative, and the answers illuminating. Afterwards one member of the audience said they had so far “despaired” of the Brexit debate occurring in the media and was very pleased to attend a debate where the facts were discussed sensibly and reasonably.’

A full account of each speakers critique and comments is available to read on the Law Clinic’s blog.

Sheona added: ‘At Kent Law Clinic we endeavour to create and sustain a space where people feel able to debate legal, political, social, cultural issues, where all opinions can be analysed and challenged. We will be holding more ‘Brexit debates’ – watch out for them!’