Days away from News EU referendum debate

The clock is ticking down to the referendum on June 23, when the nation will decide whether Britain should stay in or get out of Europe.

Ahead of the occasion, The News is teaming up with Verisona Law to hold an EU hustings to debate all the relevant issues.

Topics surrounding the referendum include immigration, border control, trade, the economy and national security – which are expected to all be raised and discussed during the hustings.

The event is taking place at 1000 Lakeside North Harbour, off Western Road, Portsmouth, on Wednesday from 6.30pm.

Supporters in the Remain and Brexit campaign camps have said much about these issues. And the debate will be a chance for the public to find out more about both sides of the argument. It will also be an opportunity to discover what the EU really is all about – such as the fact it is made up of the European Parliament, European Commission and European Council.

It is sure to be a lively debate.

Portsmouth City Council was the first authority in the UK to declare by way of a majority vote of all its members that it would be backing the Brexit campaign to leave Europe.

Portsmouth Tory council leader Donna Jones says recent tensions in the city over asylum seekers are because of concerns people have about immigration and staying in Europe.

But there are many in the area – including senior figures at big businesses like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems – who support staying in.

The News and Verisona will arrange for a panel of experts to talk about their views on the EU, before taking questions from the floor.

The panel will be made up of local politicians as well as business leaders.

The hustings will take place in the main atrium of the Lakeside building.

Guests are being asked to arrive for 6.30pm, for a 6.45pm start. It is expected to finish about 8pm. Seating is limited to 100 people. Light refreshments will be made available.

For tickets or more information, email [email protected]