SOME of the big hitters in the Brexit controversy will take part in a debate in Bournemouth hosted by Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine.

Tony Blair’s former press secretary Alastair Campbell and Gerard Batten, Ukip member of the European Parliament, have already signed up for the event.

Two other high-profile speakers are set to be booked for the debate, which will take place on Friday, April 20, 6.30pm, at the BIC.

The debate is being organised by Daniel Emmerson, who ran similar debates for the pro-Brexit groups Leave.EU and Vote Leave before setting up his own company, Fortis est Veritas.

Mr Emmerson said the event would expose people to views they might not otherwise hear.

He said: “If you read the Guardian you know what you’re going to read, if you read the Daily Express you know what you’re going to read.

“I’m a Brexiteer myself but I believe every opinion counts and that the general public should be able to base their opinion on a robust debate, not what the BBC or the Daily Express says.”

Mr Emmerson said he was in discussion with “other high profile figures from politics, the media and entertainment”.

He added: “The format will be to discuss Brexit, the single market, the customers union, any potential deal and also the prospect of a second EU referendum.”

He expects to charge between £35-£40 a ticket for the event, which will be held at the BIC’s 1,700-seater Purbeck Hall.

He added: “The idea of this event is, with strict guidelines, with the right etiquette, the audience will be able to challenge the speaker directly – no abuse, no swearing, that will be all over the ticket in terms and conditions.”

Alastair Campbell, who was a key ally of Tony Blair in Downing Street, has become a vocal campaigner for remaining in the EU, and Mr Emmerson said it was important to have top-flight speakers opposing him.

Mr Emmerson said: “I don’t agree with Alistair’s policies but as a man I really like him.”

Tickets will be sold after the other panellists have been confirmed.