ON JUNE 23, Britain will finally settle the question that has occupied politicians for a generation: Do we stay in Europe or strike out on our own.

Which ever way the vote goes the referendum will have profound consequences for the British economy.

The Northern Echo and Hewitts solicitors, one of the region’s largest legal firms, will be co-hosting a special In/Out debate for business at CPI's National Biologics Centre in Darlington, on Wednesday, June 15.

The event, which runs from 9.00am to 10.30am, will include key speakers from the official In/Out campaign groups – Britain Stronger in Europe and the Vote Leave Campaign. It will be an opportunity for business leaders to hear both sides of the debate and sift the facts before they vote.

Both sides will have 15 minutes to put forward their arguments, before the debate is opened up for questions.

Members of the audience will be asked to give an indication on how they plan to vote before the debate starts and after – to see if the speakers have managed to influence their decision-making.

The Northern Echo will run a live blog during the event and a special supplement will be published on the day which .

Brenda Davidson, managing partner at Hewitts, said: “The EU referendum is the most important decision the British public has faced in a generation and the repercussions will be enormous - for the UK and Europe.

“The vote will decide what kind of country the UK will be and how we do business with our European neighbours.

“Currently, the EU accounts for more than 40 per cent of UK exports and its importance cannot be overstated.

“Since the campaign began both sides have stated their case with passion and sincerity.

“The Hewitts/Northern Echo debate will give North-East business leaders a unique opportunity to hear both arguments and to ask the questions that are important to them."