EU referendum: The chattering classes clash with the common man in Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton’s two conflicted sides were very much on display this week when Douglas Carswell, the Ukip MP, held a public debate with Charles Grant, head of the pro-EU Centre for European Reform, and one of Britain’s leading advocates for Europe. 

...On borders, Mr Grant asserted – quoting Lord Lawson of the Leave campaign, in support – that there would have to be “some sort of border controls” with Northern Ireland, but Mr Carswell said that was scaremongering and “not true”. Lord Lawson, he added, was wrong.

Mr Grant warned France might also withdraw its agreement to keep the border at Calais, but Mr Carswell said there was “no justification” for that fear.  Mr Carswell said Britain would “thrive” outside the EU, Mr Grant said the only people that would thrive were extremists like France’s Marine Le Pen.

Such exchanges, all so flatly at odds with each other, have left heads shaking all across the country and in Frinton – at least ‘inside the gates’, as Frinton residents call the ‘right’ side of the tracks seaward of the railway – it was no different.

Neither Mr Grant nor Carswell was able to claim game, set and match: even in Frinton-on-Sea, that will have to wait until June 23.