EU Debate success

"How much does it cost to be a member of the EU and if we leave is it all spare change?" and "Are we safer in the EU?" were just some of the questions asked at an EU debate hosted and chaired by Antoinette Sandbach MP on Sunday night at Reaseheath College.

Asked for comment on the success of the evening, Ms Sandbach said: "The feedback that we had was excellent and it was a very constructive and pleasant debate that focussed on the facts and not spin or hype and I think that people appreciated that."

"I organised the debate because I believe that without question this is the most important vote we will face in a generation."

"This decision is not like electing a Government, if we make the wrong decision we cannot change it again in four years. The consequences of our decision are far-reaching and I hope that everyone will exercise their democratic right to vote and make the most informed decision possible when considering not just our future but the future of our children."

"I hope that this debate helped answer questions that people had and stimulate fresh thought and inspire further research."

The local MP thanked Reaseheath College for their hospitality in hosting the event on their campus and thanked both of the speakers for their time and commitment to their views.

Speaking for 'Remain' was Jeremy Leffroy MP for Stafford and for 'Leave' the speaker was Stuart Hutton a former UKIP parliamentary candidate.

One member of the audience thanked the speakers before asking his question saying: "These are the best and clearest speakers I have heard in this whole referendum campaign and I thank them for that."

Asked for comment after the debate Mr Lefroy MP said: "It was good to have the chance to put the clear case for remaining in the European Union and to have a fact-based and respectful debate with the Stuart, the Leave Representative. I am grateful to my colleague Antoinette Sandbach MP for organising it and to Reaseheath College for hosting the evening."

Stuart Hutton commented: "I'd like to extend my thanks to Antoinette for organising the event. Members of the public appreciated the opportunity to hear arguments from both sides of the debate in a polite and respectful forum, away from the glare of the national media, where facts are often masked by the adversarial nature of the discussion.

"We hear all too often about the referendum is 'causing division and fall-outs'. Tonight's event shows that, if debate is conducted in the right manner, in accordance with our best traditions, it also has the power to bring people together."

If anyone still has questions about the debate and is an undecided voter looking for unbiased information, Ms Sandbach has recommended the following websites:
https://fullfact.org/,http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35603388 and http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/

On the 23rd June Ms Sandbach will be voting to remain in the European Union.

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