As the date of the referendum draws nearer, supporters on both sides and the undecided gathered for a packed debate at Richmond Hall in Benfleet for the BIG Castle Point EU Referendum Debate.

Jointly organised by Cllr Chas Mumford for Vote Leave and Cllr Colin Maclean for Vote Remain, saw Daniel Hannan European Parliament Member for the South East debate the former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Paddy Ashdown.

Colin MacLean, Vote Remain organiser said:

"We were delighted to welcome Paddy Ashdown to Castle Point to debate with the Leave representative. Lord Ashdown gave members of the audience the benefit of his vast experience both politically and militarily and warned of the likelihood of economic instability in the event of a successful leave vote, increased regional and global security issues and damage to Great Britain's standing within the World.  Members of the audience, who the majority had started the debate clearly in support of BREXIT, gave Lord Ashdown a rousing cheer at the end."

The REMAIN vote is alive and well in Castle Point, they may not shout quite as loudly as others but on the 23rd June I am confident that they will keep the United Kingdom at the forefront of a reformed European Union."

Chas Mumford, Vote Leave for Castle Point said:

“The result of the debate between Daniel Hannan and Paddy Ashdown last Friday was a resounding victory for Dan Hannan arguing for Vote Leave with a good 80% of the audience supporting his position.

This reflects the situation I have experienced when out canvassing, the vast majority of residents want us to leave the European Union and reclaim our Country.”

This event chaired by Simon Dedman of BBC Essex, saw questions taken from the crowd. The majority did seem to agree with Leave campaigner Daniel Hannan.

Lord Ashdown, who made a swift exit after shaking hands with his opponent, said: “It was an absolutely fabulous debate, and you could feel the passion of the debate and the engagement.

“People were genuinely expressing their concerns and I never say people aren’t patriotic in their choices – people express the views they’re expressing and I might not always agree with them but I do respect them.”

Mr Hannan commented:

“The Peasants’ Revolt began here, it was strong for Puritanism during the Civil War and was the heartland of the Parliamentarians - Cromwell recruited his Ironsides here - and in all of those conflicts people were resisting the idea of being bossed around by hierarchies. That’s why I’m almost certain, whatever happens in the debate nationally, Essex will vote to leave.”