The council is backing Britain to remain in the European Union after it passed a motion at full council last night.

Councillors debated the divisive motion put forward by Cllr Ian Bond (Lib, Roding), before it was passed at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford.

Leader of the opposition Cllr Paul Canal (Con, Bridge) said: “It’s not for this council to have a view on this matter, it’s for the people of this borough to have a view – it’s a shame it’s being politicised.”

Cllr Keith Prince (Con, Barkingside) argued that the UK paid more into the EU than it made from being part of it and accused those backing the “In” campaign of “scaremongering”.

“I think where we’ve gone wrong is we haven’t got what we joined up for. The facts are that we pay more than we get out.”

MP for Ilford North Cllr Wes Streeting gave a passionate speech about staying in the EU. He said it was the country’s “biggest single defining issue”.

“It will be felt by this country for a century and beyond,” he said. “Bringing peace to our continent is something we should celebrate.

“The biggest risk to our economy is Britain leaving the EU. It’s more risks and more uncertainty.

“We are stronger as part of the European Union.”

Cllr Prince said: “He [Mr Streeting] says it’s the biggest threat to our economy – the biggest threat is the party opposite.”

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