It seems like only yesterday that the starter pistol was fired on the EU referendum debate but already the UK is well into the race, with the finishing line of the 23rd June less than three months away.
On what is possibly the most important decision of a generation, many are waiting with bated breath to see how the country votes and what impact it will have on their business and their lives.
Anglia Farmers took the opportunity to host a lively and fascinating debate on what either outcome would mean for the agri-business sector.
Hearing from George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, Vicky Ford, MEP for the East of England, and Stuart Agnew, MEP for the East of England, attendees were given the chance to air their views as well as hear the case for both BREXIT and BREMAIN.
George Freeman MP, kicked the debate off by arguing that Britain is better placed to negotiate for reform from within the EU rather than from outside it, summarised by the notion of - in Europe, but not run by Europe.
Mr Freeman went on to state that agriculture would lose its voice if we came out of Europe, with no guarantee that money would go to agri-businesses in a post-EU British parliament.
By staying in Europe, Mr Freeman contested that agriculture is able to have a greater voice and to shape the agenda, something it needs to do as a collective rather than as an isolated hub.
On the other side of the debate, Stuart Agnew MEP, argued for a BREXIT, stating that farmers have been squeezed in the market with smaller margins making it harder for them to make their businesses viable.
A break from the EU would allow farmers the opportunity to trade on much better terms for them and ensure they are getting the financial returns they deserve.
Mr Agnew went on to contest that a BREXIT wouldn’t necessarily mean a fall in trade as many countries have large, existing trade deals with us that would affect their economy should they renege on them.
The final speaker Vicky Ford MEP, had concerns over the timing of a Brexit considering the deep uncertainties facing the world in the shape of the migrant crisis, ongoing economic instability and Vladimir Putin’s recent interventions.
She was of the view that now is the time to establish security by ensuring we aren’t left to defend ourselves without the help of our European neighbours.
She also agreed that we need to reform from within rather than outside the EU, declaring “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”.
The Q&A that followed was as intriguing as it was lively with questions on a range of topics from GM to the fairness of EU trading.
There was agreement and disagreement across the board on areas such as security, jobs and trade.
However, one constant seemed to be that many agreed that the real impact, whatever the outcome, will be felt by the next generation as the baton for agri-business is passed to them.
A quick survey was carried out before and after the debate which gives some interesting insight to how people were swayed one way or another. The results were as follows:
Before Debate
44% - Stay
28% - Leave
28% - Undecided
After Debate
59% - Stay
26% - Leave
15% - Undecided
