CTNA Election Hustings – The Questions

Here are the questions which were sent in for yesterday evening’s hustings event (listed in the order in which they were received). Candidates who would like to answer any of the questions we didn’t have time for are welcome to send responses to info@ctna.org.uk

1. I should like to know what the candidates’ response is to the continued detention of the children of Asylum seekers.  I gather that the Lib Dems have pledged to bring this to an end, what are the views of other local candidates? (Isobel Collyer)

2. I would like to ask the candidates if they support all that is written in the Westminster 2010 Declaration (see here for details). If not what parts can they not support? (Peter Boyce)

3. Hannah Cooper is reported as dreading the thought of a Conservative government as they would cut benefits. I’d like to know what Hannah thinks of the fact that the Labour government has turned the welfare system into a lifestyle choice for far too many who have no intention of working. (anonymous)

4. If no single party gets an overall majority, would you see the result as a “hung parliament” or a “balanced parliament”? (Simon Pike)

5. a. The current school fees at Nick Clegg’s old school, Westminster, are £28,000 a year and it is without doubt one of the best in the country. Why was he so adamantly anti Grammar School on the TV Debate when it is the only way that a very bright child from a poor family can get a first class education and not be slowed down by the slower learners in State Schools? b. Would the Chairman please ask members of the audience the following question: Please put your hand up if having won the lottery, you would still send your children to a State School, and not consider a Private School like Nick Clegg or David Cameron went to. (William Austin)

6. In view of the fact that the Nuclear Deterrent has kept the peace in Europe for 65 years does the panel think that Nick Clegg’s plan, not to update Trident, is taking a risk? (William Austin)

7. Nick Clegg’s comment that Brown must be desperate to want to join his party to the Lib Dems can be taken two ways. Which way should we take it? A good idea, or the last straw! (William Austin)

8. What is your view of the EU refusing to acknowledge God in its Lisbon Treaty, and how long do you think it will be before it becomes an offence to publicly acknowledge God in the UK? (anonymous)

9. With the recent cases of a number of Christian guest-house owners, being taken to court over refusing to let rooms to homosexuals, do you think it is right on moral grounds to refuse a service to someone who, in your view, is corrupt? (anonymous)

10. My question would be to Richard Benyon, to ask why he’s so keen for the Government to encourage and promote the export of arms to countries around the world, and why he opposed the closure of DESO (the Defence Export Services Organisation), despite campaigns in favour from human rights organisations and church leaders. The question could be extended to the other candidates by asking them their opinions on the UK’s role in arms trading as well. (Tom Waters)

11. If elected, will they oppose any extension of Sunday trading hours in shops? Will they support a reduction of 24/7 licensing? (James and Carol Cochrane)

12. The BBC receives £3.5 billion each year. In the light of today’s economic climate, the development of broadcasting generally and recent events within the BBC, do the candidates consider this amount of public money can be currently justified and how do the candidates see the future of broadcasting in this country? (Roy Tubb)

13. I wish to put the following question to the candidates this evening. I realise the issue is sensitive, and so I have put alternative questions on the same topic, to be considered in the order given. a. Going to war is a grave matter. We invaded both Iraq and Afghanistan on the basis of claims which were later found to be untrue. If elected to parliament, will you call for a public inquiry into the invasion of Afghanistan? b. Have party candidates received instructions from headquarters: “Don’t mention the war”, in accordance with the CIA report into shoring up Afghan war support in Western Europe, which was recently leaked by wikileaks.org ? c. If after the election you find yourselves in the cabinet, what lessons would you hope to learn, and at whose expense? (Ian Fantom)

14. I would like that the candidates be quizzed on Health Care services in Newbury. I would like to know if they think it is justified that we appear to have fewer services now than we did 20 years ago when Newbury was much smaller. (Nina Flynn)

15. Recognising that there are many church schools serving this area, what is your parties policy on the future support and development of Faith Schools? (Francis Connolly)

16. It would now be easily possible to incorporate a device in all new road vehicles, that automatically constrains them to travel at a speed within the limit in force on the road where the vehicle is, e.g. by means of GPS. If this system was in general use, it would be effective in improving road safety, and also greatly improve fuel consumption of vehicles, thus deceasing their carbon footprint. In order to ensure that this system was installed and used, it would be necessary to pass legislation in parliament (as in the case of seat belts). Would you be in favour of this, and, if not, what are your objections to it? (Alan Booth)

CTNA Election Hustings

With the General Election taking place on May 6th, we have invited the candidates in the Newbury constituency to an evening when questions from the public will be put to them and we will have the opportunity to see and hear them for ourselves. The date is Saturday April 24th, from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm in St Nicolas Church Hall, Newbury. We have invited Brien Beharrell, editor of the Newbury Weekly News, to chair this meeting. Questions should be emailed to info@ctna.org.uk in advance so that they can be marshalled in a way which ensures that areas of interest are covered without unnecessary duplication and overlap. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Dates for 2010

Please click here for details of CTNA’s plans for the year.

Would churches and member organisations also like to email info@ctna.org.uk with details of big events in the diary for 2010 so that we can avoid clashes in planning? Many thanks.

Good Friday

10.30 am: ECUMENICAL SERVICE at Newbury Methodist Church (including a performance of ‘The Way’ by Andrew Harrison)

10.30 am: GOOD FRIDAY EVENT FOR CHILDREN at Newbury Methodist Church Hall

11.30 am: WALK OF WITNESS down Northbrook Street. We want to make a bit of an unusual splash this year and so are asking as many participants as possible to wear brightly-coloured clothing under a dark coat. Why? Wait and see…!

After the Walk of Witness we hope the majority of Christians will purchase coffee and hot cross buns in St Nicolas Church Hall, with the proceeds going to the work of Christian Aid. But some may like to help in offering free hot cross buns and Starbucks coffee to passers-by outside St Nicolas Church. This gives us a wonderful opportunity to answer questions about the Good News of Jesus with anyone interested. If you are available and interested please email secretary@ctna.org.uk