IN AN opportunity to hear both sides of a very complex debate, the people of Somerset headed to an EU hustings with four well-known faces.

Held at St Mary's Church in Ilminster on May 20, the event was mediated and hosted by The Rev. Nigel Done.

Sharing their opinions on the matter was Oliver Dowding of the Green Party, Alan Dimmick of UKIP, Linda Vijeh of the Conservatives and Paddy Ashdown of the Liberal Democrats.

Members of the audience were given the opportunity beforehand to send in their questions, as well as being encouraged to spontaneously ask opinions on the actual night.

Local resident, Mary Williams, brought up the major issues facing our world today, such as climate change and terrorism.

She asked each speaker how confronting these issues will affected by whether we stay or leave the EU.

Linda said: "Originally I was part of the in brigade but now I'm not sure.

"With climate change and terrorism, we don't need to be in the EU to approach it.

"We can co-operate internationally without having to be part of a set group because these issues are global, not just European."

Paddy said: "I am part of the vote to stay in.

"Everything has international elements and for a better working relationship, we need to be working with our EU partners and we stand a better chance of confronting these major issues.

"Pollution has no borders and communication is important."

Alan said: "To confront such issues, we need to control our borders and therefore vote out.

"We have co-operated with America, Canada and other places and can co-operate with all areas of the world.

"With climate change, we need to look at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the fact that used to be a cliff.

"Climate change is everywhere, not just in the EU."

Oliver said: "I am a local organic farmer so am looking at this through an agricultural point of view.

"I order to have the best chance at confronting such problems, we need to be in the biggest possible grouping, and that's why remaining in the EU is important.

"Climate change is happening across all borders and we need to work together, not separately, to face the issues."

One audience member raised the point of the UK not being self-sufficient.

He said: "The EU is self-sufficient in food, whereas the UK is not.

"We are reliant on food imports.

"Why would any sane person not want to be in a self-sufficient place?"

Paddy responded by agreeing saying, "the moment we leave the EU, deals end," whilst Oliver raised the point of the UK needing these trade blocks.

Alan disagreed, and said: "We are already overcrowded.

"We need to control our borders and put an end to any problems.

"There is already not enough resources for everyone."

Linda said: "There are other countries in the EU with more issues, including being overcrowded.

"I bought strawberries that were produced in Hereford and other deals can be created, aside from the EU."

Did you attend the meeting? Share your thoughts with rebecca.heyes@countygazette.co.uk