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Question Time show held at Folkestone's Quarterhouse on Thursday night

The controversial panel at Thursday night's Question Time in Folkestone were told to "quieten down" by David Dimbleby as tensions ran high.

The Quarterhouse, in Tontine Street, was the Kent venue to host this week's hour long programme just a fortnight before the EU referendum on June 23.

The line-up included Ukip MEP Nigel Farage, Tory pro-Brexit MP Chris Grayling, MP Hilary Benn, comedian Eddie Izzard and columnist for The Telegraph, Allison Pearson.

The Question Time panel in the Quarterhouse
The Question Time panel in the Quarterhouse

The first topic to come up on the night was immigration, where Mr Farage reiterated his view that an Australian-styled point system was needed as a way to filter immigrants into the country.

"Whichever way you look at it, immigration is the number one issue in British politics," Mr Farage said.

David Dimbleby and the audience at Question Time
David Dimbleby and the audience at Question Time

"There is an impact on local schools, GP services...that's why it is the number one issue."

But straight to the EU's defence was comedian Mr Izzard, who said that it was migrants living and working in the country who contribute £20bn to the economy.

He said: "There are Eurosceptics joining the stay case - they can see the struggles of coming out."

Eddy Izzard
Eddy Izzard

Mr Grayling said this referendum is about "the future of our democracy and our trade relationships around the world."

Dover District Ukip councillor Ben Glayzer was in the audience, he said: "Immigration is a good thing, but mass immigration isn't."

But as opinions clashed, the shouty panel were ordered to "quieten down" by Mr Dimbleby, who said "the audience might Brexit" if they kept interrupting each other.

Filming behind the scenes
Filming behind the scenes

Talking about the economy, Mr Benn dismissed the claim that this country pays £350m into the EU each week, labelling it "untrue."

He said: "This is about the future of our grandchildren. Chris is absolutely wrong when he says the way to safeguard ourselves is to detach ourselves from our 27 nearest neighbours.

"When our neighbours are being blown up by terrorists we should stand in solidarity."

Folkestone residents and In campaigners Bean and Cath Burton staged a mini protest outside the venue
Folkestone residents and In campaigners Bean and Cath Burton staged a mini protest outside the venue

A pair of campaigners who were not fortunate enough to get a ticket stood outside the Tontine Street venue with pro-EU placards.

One resident in the audience, who was not named, said she was still unsure which way she was going to vote.

The show is still available to see on BBC iPlayer.

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