WITH the EU referendum just around the corner, some of the Bridgwater area's top political and business minds took part in an enlightening public debate this week.

Sedgemoor FM, Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce and Bridgwater Press organised the event where the panellists fielded questions on trade, sovereignty, security and much more at the Bridgwater YMCA on Thursday.

There were six panellists, for the remain camp were former Liberal Democrat MP for Wells Tessa Munt, Labour Sedgemoor District Councillor Mick Lerry and Green Party co-ordinator for the South West Ewan Jones, and speaking for leave were chairman of Bridgwater and West Somerset UKIP Stephen Fitzgerald, solicitor Christopher Spencer from the Association of Bridgwater Industrialists and Somerset entrepreneur James Tucker.

One of the first questions from the floor questioned whether the panellists would go into business with the European Union.

"I am sure we do very well out of being in Europe. In the Wells constituency we get £17 million in support for farmers from Europe, and that is an area that is just a fifth of Somerset," Tessa Munt said.

"Europe is a market of 500 million people where we can buy and sell goods, the biggest single market in the world and we are in a far stronger position to negotiate deals with China and America as part of Europe."

James Tucker responded saying that he would not go into a business deal given the EU takes more than it gives to the EU.

"We have little or no influence at the European table, and that will only be diminished after the referendum if we remain," he said.

Mick Lerry argued you only had to look at investment in the local area to see the importance of trading with Europe.

"EDF have said the construction of Hinkley C alone will bring £100 million into the local economy, and this will include well-paid skilled jobs for local people," Mr Lerry said.

Chris Spencer said he felt the EU had become too cumbersome as an organisation and far removed from the trading bloc the UK originally voted to join.

"Also there are many countries that do not comply with the directives and rules to the extent that we do," Mr Spencer said.

Asked why so many business and political leaders back the remain campaign, Ewan Jones said it is up to voters to decide who they would listen to.

"A friend of mine who was leaning toward the leave campaign switched sides after the governor of Bank of England, Mark Carney, gave his backing to the stay campaign," Mr Jones said.

"It is up for you to judge the people you feel can sway your opinion."