Brexit: Politicians clash during Shropshire EU debate
The region's politicians went head to head to put forward the cases for and against Britain's membership of the EU.
More than 200 people attended the debate in Bridgnorth, which saw Ukip's William Cash and Ludlow MP Philip Dunne on either side of the argument over the forthcoming EU referendum.
Mr Dunne, Conservative MP for Ludlow, put the case for the UK to remain in the European Union, while Mr Cash, of Upton Cressett Hall, near Bridgnorth, who ran as a parliamentary candidate for Ukip, argued for Britain to leave.
During the event, held at St Mary's Church Hall, the members of the panel were quizzed on immigration, economics and trading.
Mr Dunne was supported by Liz Lynne, former MEP for the West Midlands, while Mr Cash, the son of prominent conservative MP and Eurosceptic Sir Bill Cash, was joined by Bill Good, head of Diverco Ltd of Redditch, in calling for Brexit.
In opening the evening Mr Dunne said: "I have travelled a journey when approaching this decision.
"After a considerable amount of thought I want to support remaining in the EU.
"I was pleased the Prime Minister achieved a deal which means we will be able to exist in a special status and that helped to make my decision.
"The economic arguments are overwhelming, 44 per cent of our trading is in Europe. The other reasons for staying are to benefit agriculture and defence."
In his opening speech Mr Good said: "Those countries that prosper are ones that are free from regulation but have democracy.
"We are the fifth largest economy and are a land of inventors stifled by regulations. Yes 44 per cent of our trading is in Europe, but that is down from 55 per cent.
"We need to have these regulations lifted so we can trade with other countries as well.
"Other reasons to leave are the cost of the EU. £350 million a week goes into the EU. That is a 50 per cent increase on 10 years ago. It is just getting higher and higher. And also immigration - we need to control it on a fair basis.
"Europe is falling below the water line and we need to get out."
Ms Lynne said: "It will be a tremendous risk if we exit the EU. We will be less relevant to countries who want to trade with us and less safe."
But Mr Cash replied: "We are better off not being a superstate ruled by unelected politicians in Europe.
"This is our chance to get it right and take back control."
When asked the question "would there be devolution in the UK if we left the EU?", Mr Dunne answered: "It is hard to see what would happen as there is a lot of uncertainty.
"However I expect the Scottish Nationalist Party would seek a second referendum and there are unclear consequences of that.
"There is a clear favour of people wanting to remain in the EU in Scotland.
"There is also the issue of the open border in Ireland which would remain uncertain in Brexit."
Mr Good answered: "Scotland cannot afford to go independent now and I don't see them voting to leave the UK due to this decision."
