REASONS for remaining in the EU were outlined by an MP last night as he attempted to win over undecided voters in Thursday’s referendum.

John Woodcock, MP for Barrow and Furness, hosted a discussion at The Forum in Barrow, to set out why he believes voters should keep Britain in the European Union when they go to the polls tomorrow.

RELATED ARTICLE: Boss of pub chain uses beer mats to spread Brexit message

RELATED ARTICLE: Teens have their say on the key issues in the EU referendum

In what is expected to be a close vote, Mr Woodcock told an audience at the Duke Street venue that leaving would put local jobs at risk and would leave Furness General Hospital facing cuts.

At a time of major investment in the area with the likes of BAE, GSK and Siemens, Mr Woodcock said leaving could derail that progress.

He said: "This is probably the biggest single vote that any of us will make in our lifetime.

"If you look at the big firms, BAE, GSK and Siemens, they have all made clear that our future remains clear in the EU.

"This is such an exciting time for the Furness area and it’s not worth putting at risk our prosperity.

"I'm dreading the impact that will immediately come to the Furness area and our national economy if Vote Leave wins.

"We are looking at a Black Friday where our markets could crash the day after the vote, costing many, many jobs."

Last night’s event featured a panel including Peter Barton, the chief executive of Ulverston-based lighting firm Forge Europa, 16-year-old Bethany Thornton, from Furness Youth Council, and Gail Bundy, regional officer for Unite.

Mr Barton, who told the audience one of his largest customers is in Germany, said: "I want a level playing field but we wouldn’t be able to influence the rules if we are not in the club."

Members of the public asked the panel about TTIP, environmental protection and EU expansion.

Campaigners for Stronger In point towards the EU’s no trade barriers principle as a benefit for businesses as well as studies which suggest leaving will create a £40bn black hole.

However, members of the Leave campaign argue the country needs to cut ties from Brussels to save £350m every week.

The event was originally due to be held on Monday night but was postponed by a day as MPs were recalled to the House of Commons for tributes to the murdered Labour MP, Jo Cox.

A minute’s silence was held in her honour before the discussion started.