AS local business leaders prepare to debate the pros and cons of EU membership, new

analysis shows that projects across Bradford benefit from £13.5 million of European Union funding each year.

A group backing remaining in Europe says EU investment has helped to increase innovation, advance businesses and support sustainability in the Bradford district - and warns the district would lose access to such cash if Britain leaves the EU.

Funding from the EU for local projects has included nearly £8 million to Bradford Council for enterprise support projects and around £2.8 million for the University of Bradford 's Sustainability Centre.

Education charity The Lighthouse Group received more than £903,000 for phase two of its Bradford Centre of Excellence and Newlands Community Association was awarded more than £1 million towards developing the Inspire Enterprise Park at Eccleshill.

The analysis shows that between 2007 and 2013 Yorkshire received £702 million from the European Structural Funds programme and will receive £640 million under the 2014-2020 programme .

Former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose, chairman of Britain Stronger in Europe, said:"The Stronger In campaign is determined to showcase the strength and variety of EU investment across Bradford – not only does Britain as a whole benefit from our membership, but individuals, towns and workplaces have all benefited from the funding they have received.

"In Bradford alone, that totals £13.5 million and includes Enterprise hubs, University of Bradford Sustainability Centre, and Newlands Enterprise Park. The benefits of our EU membership clearly outweigh the costs, and the projects across Bradford funded by EU investment make that clear.”

Campaigners in the EU Referendum are to be grilled by businesses at a Chamber of Commerce event next month.

Members of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, which includes Bradford, will meet on April 28 to hear business and political arguments for and against the UK’s continued EU membership .

Speakers at the event, to be hosted by Yorkshire Building Society, include Jon Moynihan of the Leave EU group and MEP Timothy Kirkhope. The debate will be chaired by political journalist Len Tingle.

Eurosceptic Shipley MP Philip Davies will be taking part and Yorkshire Building Society's chief economist Andrew McPhillips will provide statistics to help inform the debate.

Attendance at the event is free of charge but places are limited and priority will be given to chamber members. To book e-mail events@wnychamber.co.uk or phone 0113 247 0000 or 01274 206660.