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A packed audience attended the eagerly anticipated EU Debate, at the Hastings Centre last Friday, with both sides fielding experienced and knowledgeable campaigners.
The REMAIN camp was represented by local MP, Amber Rudd; whilst VOTE LEAVE brought the very experienced Roger Helmer, MEP, down from the East Midlands.
The well matched opponents provided a fascinating, measured and respectful debate with both candidates passionately making their case and defending their positions. There was even a little humour and thankfully very little negative rhetoric that has proliferated in the national media.
Sean Dennis, Chamber Director, said: “Are we any clearer on the benefits of remaining or exiting – well probably not, but then did we ever expect to be given nobody has ever exited the EU?
Did the debate sway member’s vote? Well very anecdotally no. Interestingly a very informal show of hands, at the start, suggested the majority present had already made up their minds which way to vote, with feedback afterwards suggesting the debate had, however, helped reaffirm their existing views.
So if this is in any way representative of the referendum electorate, maybe the potential swing vote is less than might be expected.”
Chamber member Sonia Blizzard from Beaming, said: “I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable, informative and lively debate – roll on the 23rd June!”