A PUBLIC meeting in York is set to debate the impact of Brexit on women.

The discussion forum, which will have an all-female expert panel, takes place at 7pm next Wednesday, November 21, at Kings Manor, off Exhibition Square.

Organisers York for Europe say recent research has shown that 90 per cent of contributions in Parliament about the EU have come from men, and it is time for women's voices to be heard in the debate.

Chair Martin Brooks said men as well as women were invited to attend, and he urged people to come with questions, such as how will Brexit affect our workplace equality and rights, how will vital public services be affected, how will important areas like food safety be regulated and how will Brexit affect jobs and the local economy?

He said confirmed speakers were Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives,

Professor Charlotte O'Brien, of the University of York Law School, Nina de Ayala Parker, Women’s Rights Activist and Equalities Campaigner for End the Chaos and Dr Rosalind Sharpe, Research Fellow: Food & Brexit, Centre for Food Policy, at City University of London.

Professor Juliet Lodge, of the University of Leeds and Women for Europe, will chair the debate.

"Many of the laws protecting our workplace equality and rights originated in, or were strengthened through the EU," said Mr Brooks.

"Sectors like textiles and clothing, which have a majority female workforce, depend on trade with the EU, so face an uncertain future.

"The expected budget deficit is likely to lead to further cuts to public services, with negative impacts on women as primary users of public services, as workers in the public sector and as the main providers of unpaid care.

"But despite the disproportionate impact of Brexit on women; men have dominated the debate on Brexit in Parliament. Recent research shows that almost 90% of Westminster contributions on the EU have come from male MPs.

"The aim of this event is to provide a space for women - and men - from York and surrounding areas to come and hear from an expert panel of women speakers and raise questions and concerns."