Nick Clegg or Nigel Farage? Poll reveals who won live Europe debate

According to a survey, Farage, who argued that the ‘crumbling EU isn’t working’, has won the Europe debate against Clegg.

17:37 27 March 2014

Two months before the crucial elections to the European Parliament, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and UKIP’s Nigel Farage, engaged in a live debate over Europe.

According to a survey conducted by YouGov poll, 57per cent of the respondents thought that Farage performed best compared with 36per cent that Clegg has received. The remainder were unsure.

Clegg, the Europhile Deputy Prime Minister argued that Britain is better off in Europe – richer, stronger, safer. However, Eurosceptic UK Independence Party said that “crumbling EU isn’t working.” 

Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg warned leaving the European Union would have "massive consequences" for Britain "for generations to come".

He also attacked his opponent for claiming that 29 million Romanians and Bulgarians may come to the UK. He said: "There aren't even 29 million Romanians and Bulgarians living in Romania and Bulgaria. It is simply not true. So let's have this debate, but let's have it based on facts."

"We are better off in Europe - richer, stronger, safer - and that's why I will fight to keep us in, for the sake of jobs, for the sake of our clout in the world, for the sake of Britain."

Mr Farage replied: "This debate is between a tired status quo defending a crumbling EU that frankly isn't working any more, and a fresh approach that says let's be friendly with Europe, let's trade with Europe, but let's not be governed by their institutions."