IT'S the big question that has divided the country.

And now councillors in Southampton will have their say on whether the UK should remain in the European Union.

Ahead of next month's referendum they will debate a motion put forward by the leader of the council saying it is in Southampton's interests that the country stays in the EU.

With the battle heating up between the two opposing camps ahead of the poll on June 23, Labour leader Simon Letts' motion will be the subject of discussion across the council chamber today.

Cllr Letts' motion reads: “On the balance of the arguments this council believes it is in the interests of the city of Southampton for the UK to remain a member of the European Union”.

Daily Echo: City council leader Simon Letts

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Cllr Letts (above) said he did not want to go into much detail ahead of the debate.

However he confirmed Labour councillors would have a free vote, and added: "Ahead of the most important constitutional decision that nearly every British citizen will make in their lifetime I thought it was appropriate for the council to debate the matter and indicate its view on whether we should vote to remain in the EU in less than six weeks.

"I see and understand the views being expressed on either side, and on balance this is my view of what is best for the city as it is one of the largest European ports with thousands of exports and which depends on international trade."

His opponent in the council chamber, Conservative group leader Jeremy Moulton, will argue for the UK to leave the EU.

Confirming his councillors will also have a free vote, he said: "My own view is that we would be a more successful country if we make our own way and are not controlled by bureaucratic rules from Brussels.

"It would help our economy and improve our migration controls.

"I had hoped we would have got a substantial improvement from our renegotiation with the EU but that clearly hasn't happened.

"I think it is heading in the opposite direction to where most people want to see it going, but it doesn't mean we wouldn't cooperate with other countries in things like NATO and trade organisations."

Daily Echo:

Conservative group leader Jeremy Moulton