Thurrock Councillor and MEP Tim Aker has challenged Labour’s Polly Billington to a public debate on the issue of immigration in Thurrock on 10th February.

In a letter handed into Ms. Billington’s office earlier today, Tim Aker calls the issue of immigration “the number one issue” for those living in Thurrock, saying that he hopes the Labour candidate accepts the challenge but that the meeting will go ahead with an empty-chair if not.

Tim Aker MEP said: “Thurrock needs a public debate on immigration. The other parties have failed to act and the people aren't being listened to."

“It's for the people to judge what they want: more uncontrolled EU immigration from Labour, or a controlled Australian-style system from UKIP.”

A video of Tim making his challenge is available at: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAtVGkRLQM&feature=youtu.be 

A room has been booked at the Thameside Theatre in Grays and the debate will be chaired by Ray Andrews, former Conservative Leader of Thurrock Council.

Ms. Billington has yet to respond.