Here's a press release I have just issued...
LibDem Norman Lamb has snubbed an opportunity to take part in a series of pre-election debates with North Norfolk Conservative Candidate Iain Dale. North Norfolk Radio were prepared to host a series of monthly one hour debates between the two leading contenders to be MP for North Norfolk after the General Election on a variety of current issues, but Mr Lamb insisted he would only take part in such debates during a General Election campaign itself.
Speaking at a Conservative Party tea in Swanton Abbott Iain Dale commented today: "I will debate Mr Lamb any time, any place, anywhere. I think North Norfolk people would welcome the chance to hear some proper political debate between us and I am sorry that Norman Lamb's self-importance has got the better of him. For a public servant to say he refuses to debate isuues of political concern to his constituents is a disgrace. If we are to re-engage people with politics I would hope we could talk about the key political issues in a polite and constructive manner. Of course we should have such debates during a General Election campaign but there are many current national and local issues which we should be debating now. For instance, on North Norfolk Radio on Friday Norman Lamb said he didn’t know whether he would vote in favour or against a European Constitution because he hadn't read it. Instead he said he had relied on political commentators to form his opinions, although he couldn't actually tell us what these opinions were. Is it any wonder that people lose faith in their elected representatives if they are unable to give a lead on such a clearcut issue as this? I am sure the people of North Norfolk would like to hear Mr Lamb state clearly - on a public platform - what his position is, or is he typically trying to face both ways on this issue for fear of offending anyone? My position is clear. I would NEVER vote for a European constitution. At some stage Norman Lamb will have to climb off the fence."
