MORE than 200 people have signed up to Cirencester’s EU debate as they seek answers to 'the most serious decision Britain has faced in a generation'.

Among the panellists limbering up for the Question Time-style event is Gillian Ford, a senior lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire since 2004 who specialises in EU law.

Before she took up the post designing courses and lecturing she worked as a solicitor at a big London firm.

“I think the most important issues of the debate centre around the economy - what would be best for the UK - as well as immigration and sovereignty,” she said.

“I think it is also important to consider the issue of national (and international) security in the context of the referendum vote.”

She will be joined on the panel by countryside expert John Mortimer from CLA and top businessman John Askew from St James’ Place.

Although the panellists have made a solemn promise to stay neutral, no such pledge has been made by Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, fighting to leave the EU, and Gloucestershire Lib Dem leader Paul Hodgkinson, fighting to remain.

Around 100 tickets for the debate are still available. They cost just 50p, all of which is donated to charity.

Gillian said: “Ultimately, when each of us enters the ballot box on June 23 we have to make up our own minds whether we will vote to remain in the EU or vote to leave.

“Some people will vote with their hearts, some with their heads and most will vote with a combination of the two.

“I think it's important that we arm ourselves with as much information as we can and debates, such as the one in Cirencester, give people the opportunity to hear different points of view, test some of the issues and ultimately come to their own decision.”

The debate, organised by the Standard, Cirencester Baptist Church and town councillor David Henson, will take place at the Royal Agricultural University on June 3 at around 7.30pm. Doors open at 6.45pm.

To pick up tickets pop into the Wilts and Glos Standard offices in Dyer Street, Cirencester.

If you would like to submit a question to the panel, email cirendebate@gmail.com.