IN versus out, stay versus go, remain versus leave – the most important question facing the UK’s voters in a generation will be the hot topic for debate at a special event in Stroud.

With Britain going to the polls in the EU referendum on June 23, the SNJ has organised a debate night in Stroud on June 2 to give residents a chance to find out more about the key issues.

A panel of speakers will shine some light on the facts and put forward their best arguments to leave or remain in the European Union.

Stroud’s Conservative MP Neil Carmichael and Green Party county councillor Sarah Lunnon will share the stage to make the case for remaining in the EU.

They will be up against UKIP South West MEP Roger Helmer and Simon Richards of the Freedom Association, who are both firmly backing the Brexit campaign.

Stroud News and Journal:

In a Question Time style debate, each member of the panel will be given time to argue their point before taking questions from the audience.

SNJ editor Michael Purton will chair the discussion, which will be held at the Sub Rooms in Stroud at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 2.

Michael said: “The referendum is fast approaching but many people are still undecided on how they will vote and feel there is not enough clear information on what leaving the EU or remaining will actually mean for them.

“By holding this debate, we hope to shed some light on the key issues.”

Cllr Sarah Lunnon (Stroud Central) told the SNJ why she’s backing the ‘In’ campaign.

“The Green view boiled down is that the real decisions facing us – how to protect our communities, secure our countryside and economy – need the cooperation of the EU and other organised nations,” she said.

“The huge issues of climate change and the refugee crisis cannot be solved by individual nations. Working together we can thrive and flourish, alone we are vulnerable.”

Simon Richards said: “In April 2006, I was one of the three co-founders of Better Off Out, the campaign putting the positive case for leaving the EU.

“Then, people said that although EU membership was bad for Britain, there was no way we could leave.

“Now, 10 years on, the British people finally have the opportunity to restore the freedom, democracy and independence that they enjoyed before we joined the EU.”

There are 350 seats available for the event.

Tickets cost £3 to cover the charge of hiring the venue and any surplus will be donated to the Guide Dogs charity.

They will be available for purchase from the Sub Rooms.

Doors open at 7pm and the debate is expected to finish by 9.30pm.

The question put to the electorate will be: Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?

Vote Leave and Britain Stronger in Europe have been designed as the official leave and remain campaigns.