WITH the vote on the EU referendum only four weeks away, Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillors will discuss how the borough would benefit from remaining in the European Union.

A motion put to full council by leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Gavin James, will be debated at tonight’s meeting.

The outcome of the debate will be sent in a letter to the Prime Minister, David Cameron, to inform him of the stance of the borough council.

Cllr James told The Gazette the debate will give councillors the chance to air the views of their individual wards and give the people of Basingstoke clear information on how the vote would impact the borough.

“People will be looking around for information on the referendum and will find conflicting stories,” said the Lib Dem leader.

“What our residents want to know is how this will directly impact them and I am hoping a friendly, lively debate will provide this.

“It is a very important vote, this is a once in a lifetime debate unlike local elections so we need to make sure we have all the facts.”

Nationally the referendum has caused splits in the parties, but this is something Basing ward councillor and Vote Leave campaigner, Onnalee Cubitt thinks will not happen during the council debate.

“I think you will see a lot of Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors publicly following party lines, but privately voting to leave,” said the Independent Forum councillor.

“We are against the establishment and people do not want to listen to many of the other views.

“All debates have to be good and informative, I just hope some Labour and Conservative councillors are brave enough to speak up.”

The issue of the EU referendum will be debated in council chambers later tonight.

What do you think? Let us know your views at newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk