The Big Debate 2027

Put your questions to the people who make the decisions

The Big Debate returns in 2027 with a new format. Taking its cue from BBC Question Time, the evening will bring MPs from six political parties onto one stage to answer questions from Norfolk businesses. Invitations have gone out to MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, the Greens, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and Restore, so you’ll hear a real range of views on how to support business in the county.

The questions will come from the audience. We’ll be asking about the cost of doing business, taxation, employment, skills, regulation, infrastructure and economic growth, and we want to know what each party plans to do about them, which government decisions are helping or holding back growth, and what would make Norfolk a more competitive place to run a business.

There won’t be any set speeches or rehearsed answers. You’ll be able to hear the arguments first-hand, press the panel on their positions and get a response from the people who represent you in Westminster.

What will we be debating?

The conversation will cover everything from the day-to-day realities of running a business to the wider decisions shaping the UK economy. Topics could include taxation, business costs and regulation, as well as skills, investment, energy, innovation and productivity. We’d also like to find out how national policy plays out for Norfolk employers, whether politicians are listening to them, and what more could be done to unlock the county’s economic potential.

The agenda will depend on what’s affecting businesses at the time, the questions attendees send in and where the discussion goes on the night.

What to expect

• Six political perspectives: MPs from six parties have been invited to join the panel.
• A Question Time-style debate: direct questions, differing opinions and open discussion.
• Your questions: the chance to challenge the MPs on policies and decisions that affect your business and hear their answers.
• Networking: time to meet other business owners, senior leaders and decision-makers from across Norfolk. There will be cake!

Have your say

If you could put one question to a panel of MPs, what would it be? Whether it’s about making running a business easier, whether firms are getting the support they need, or what the priorities for Norfolk’s economy should be over the next few years, we’d like to hear it. Send in your questions and help shape the evening.

Book your place and join the debate.