The EU referendum was on the agenda as member of the European Parliament for the East, Richard Howitt and UKIP councillor Greg Clarke went head-to-head in Ely market place.
The two politicians met in the city centre yesterday (June 16) to welcome questions from residents on the referendum, which is only one week away, and were joined by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Paul Stainton.
Mr Howitt, who believes Britain should remain in the EU, and Mr Clarke, who thinks Britain is best off out of the EU, were quizzed by local people, including owners of stalls and shops on Ely’s busy Thursday market.
Richard Howitt told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: “One of the characteristics of this referendum has been scaremongering.
“The more we discuss the implications of the EQ the more we find that it affects our lives.
“We need to rationalise the debate; you’re more likely to be in a job, your rights are protected and we’re better protected – all those things affect people in Ely.
“People need to know that I vote on every law in the EU and I vote against them if they go against local people.”
Cllr Clarke, who was the UKIP candidate for Cambrideshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “If we control our own borders then we can not only who comes in but also who goes out, which is very important.”
“Tensions are getting worse across Europe because we’re getting forced together into a club that we don’t all agree to.”
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