Hustings for local MP candidates Options

[Iommi]

Brian Burgess, Labour’s Hannah Cooper, the Green Party's Adrian Hollister, Conservative Richard Benyon, Apolitical Democrat David Yates, UKIP’s David Black and Liberal Democrat David Rendel were asked...

1. Whether it is morally right to sell weapons abroad
2. If no party has a majority in parliament, will that be “hung”, or “balanced”?
3. Do the candidates support the Westminster Declaration? If not, what do they disagree with?
4. Is it right for government policy to enforce detention of asylum seekers’ children?
5. Nuclear weapons, and in particular the candidates position on Trident
6. Approach to farming in the UK and food security
7. As MP, what would you change in or about Newbury, if it were in your power.

I went last night.

I thought all candidates spoke well. Some were I little short on firm, composed policy, but for me the questions were a little contrived. That is to say, there was a lot of opportunity for broad agreement.

Rendel did make a popular comment about building on brown fields before green, but whether that was practical, I'm not sure.

David Yates's opening speech was brought to an end by the chair, but it was quite a fascinating (albeit a little long winded) insight into the financial predicament this country is in.

At the end, the candidates were asked a 'surprise' question from the chair that was along the lines of, 'As MP, what would you change about Newbury if it were in your power.'

Brian Burgess was caught flat footed and was given no time to think before being asked first, what he would do. Benyon wished that he could get Parkway finished sooner. Like I said, Rendel would propose a bill to mandate business to give over empty property to housing. Or words to that effect.