A REFERENDUM debate on whether or not the UK should remain a part of the European Union will take place at Kingsbridge Community College on Friday, May 20.

The debate is being organised by Devon Out, a campaign initiated by members of several Eurosceptic groups, including the United Kingdom Independence Party, Grassroots Out and Vote Leave.

Arguing the case for leaving the EU will be Diane James MEP, the UKIP spokesperson on justice and home affairs, and one of 10 MEPs representing the south-east of England.

Putting the case forward for staying within the union will be county and district councillor Julian Brazil, who stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Totnes constituency in 2015.

Ceri Jayes from the Devon Out campaign said: ‘Diane is firmly opposed to the UK remaining a member of the EU. Her key perspective is that everything that Europhiles proclaim as a benefit of EU membership should be questioned in the context could it be achieved without ceding control away from Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and the Welsh Assembly?

‘Quite clearly the answer is yes it could and without the unmitigated disasters that significant numbers of EU decisions have had on the UK.

‘Many senior elected MPs are voicing what UKIP and Diane believes, that the EU control has gone too far, has a negative effect on the future of the UK, and that it is a flawed, out of date concept.’

In a similar debate held in South Brent on Monday, April 25, Julian said that: ‘80% of the people who turned up had already made up their minds, and many people were rude to anybody who didn’t agree with them.

‘However, the most pleasing thing, and this probably had more to do with the debate being held in a pub, was that there were many young people there who were quite engaged. Ultimately, this referendum is going to affect the youngest in our society the most.

‘With all the crises and tragedies occurring in the world - now is not the time to shut ourselves off from the world. We need politicians who engage with Europe.

‘In recent years, our politicians have been seriously letting us down, travelling to Europe holding their noses. This is the most important referendum in my lifetime, and of course, every vote counts.’

Devon Out campaigners in the South Hams have held several fundraising events to facilitate this debate, and it is a response to members of the public saying that they don’t have enough facts to decide how to vote.

The debate is free, and no ticket is required. Doors open at 6pm, for a prompt start at 6.30pm.