Despite huge amounts of national news programmes being given over to both the Leave and Remain campaigns, many people have commented to the Ross Gazette that they feel unsure of the issues, and unclear as to which way they want to vote, in the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23rd.

The Ross Gazette decided to organise a meeting with four speakers, two who support Leave and two who want Britain to Remain in Europe.

The speakers were Bill Wiggin, MP for North Herefordshire, UKIP Councillor Richard Leppington, a Forest of Dean Councillor, Paul Connell a member of the Labour party and campaigner for Remain, and Louis Lagoutte, a member of the Green party who also campaigns on behalf of remain.

Richard explained that he became a member of UKIP and stood for election as a Councillor because he felt that ordinary working people were not being given a fair deal. Bill has served as a Conservative MP for many years and although his Prime Minister is supporting remain Bill feels that this country needs to take back power to run itself.

Louis has lived in Herefordshire for many years but was brought up, and went to university, in various countries and feels that he is European. Paul Connell has lived in Ross for 20 years and strongly believes that we are better off staying ‘in the game’ rather than childishly wanting to leave, in response to things not going our way.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Paul Deneen OBE and was a great success, allowing the speakers to explain their own positions on this contentious issue and then answer questions. Some of the questions had been provided in advance while others were asked on the night.

The panellists were asked for their opinions on the Prime Minister’s deal, as well key issues such as the EU membership fee, trade, investment, immigration, jobs, Britain’s place in the world and security.

Questions also raised issues about Britains’ relationship with countries in the Commonwealth and countries such as Turkey and Albania who want to join the EU.

Prior to the event the Ross Gazette also asked those who were going to be present to give an indication of their views on the information available on the EU issue. At the end the audience was again asked about their understanding. Mr Deneen said:?“It was most encouraging to note that the audience felt that the evening had been useful and informative and that key issues of interest had been discussed.”

He added:?“We had some very interesting questions and an open forum part of the evening which proved very lively and interesting, and that there was also the opportunity to receive further information and literature on both sides of the debate relating to Vote Remain and Vote Leave.”

Mr Deneen said he was very grateful to the Ross Gazette for arranging the event and the Royal Hotel for hosting it, and to Paul, Louis, Bill and Richard for agreeing to be the panellists.