How Did Cameron Score In The EU Debate?

Prime Minister David Cameron has been arguing the case for staying in the EU in a special debate hosted by Sky News, but how well did he do?

:: Immigration

His promise at the General Election to bring net migration down to tens of thousands is still in tatters, with the latest figures last week putting it at three times that.

Will he ever reach this goal? "I won't put a date on it," the PM said. This promise is his weak spot and where the Leave campaign have gained ground by promising an Australian-style points system.

But he neatly swerved this question back to the economy by saying: "Immigration is a challenge and it's a particular challenge when people come to work here because our economy is strong…It would be to madness to [cut immigration] by leaving the single market and trashing our economy."

Verdict: 4/10

:: Single Market

This is the PM and Remain campaign's strongest card - that the single market is key to Britain's economic success - and the Leave campaign have no credible economic alternative.

He told questioner Jacqueline Smith he would join even the EU today if we weren't in already, because of the economic opportunities on offer. 

"We're in a single market of 500 million people, it's vital to the success of our businesses. If we leave there will be fewer jobs and more expensive prices. That affects everyone."

Exports hit, the prospect of tariffs from other countries, and a blow to small firms would all be part of this "act of economic self-harm" - backed by major economic bodies.

Verdict 10/10

:: Third World War

The PM was under fire for claiming leaving the EU would cause World War Three.

Ok, he didn't say those words, but he did use a speech last month to invoke rows of white crosses in war cemeteries and whether we wanted "peace and stability on our continent" to be put at risk.

In the Sky News debate, he didn't let up, saying: "Never forget that 70 years ago these countries were fighting each other. We must never take that for granted.

"Twice in a century Europe went to war and on both occasions Britain paid a very heavy price."

Strong stuff, but many will find it overblown.

Verdict: 6/10

:: Turkey and scaremongering

David Cameron took a battering about his "scaremongering" campaign to stay in the EU from Soraya Bouazzaoui - who said Turkey joining the EU was the real threat to Britain's safety.

The Prime Minister tried to talk about the single market again - do we see a pattern here?  But she retorted: "I'm an English literature student; I know waffling when I see it."

A sheepish Mr Cameron insisted there was no prospect of Turkey joining the EU in the near future, and that working with the country on the migration crisis was not the same as membership.

But many retain concerns about the country's border with the turmoil in Syria, and the specifics of the EU deal with the country, allowing visa-free travel for it citizens. Some of the most uncomfortable moments of the night.

Verdict 6/10

:: Terrorism and security

A police officer of 30 years' service probed Mr Cameron's claim that it is in our country's interests to cooperate with other EU countries on the issues of crime and terrorism.

He asked: "Are you really trying to say other countries wouldn't warn us of a bomb threat or terrorist plot if we leave the EU?"

Mr Cameron insisted the European Arrest Warrant helps to keep us safe and allows us to track down murderers and rapists to stand trial. Security is a powerful argument, but the Leave side say there would be greater security with tougher control of our borders.

Verdict 8/10

:: Sky News will be hosting another debate on the EU referendum at 8pm on Friday featuring Justice Minister Michael Gove, a leading figure in the Leave campaign.