‘Paying for Society’ hustings draws large audience to Friends House
The second hustings at Friends House was attended by over 200 people
Britain Yearly Meeting’s second hustings attracted more than 200 people. It took place in the Large Meeting House on Tuesday 21 April.
All five main parties were represented. They faced questions about homeless provision, the rise in income inequality and whether they would repeal the Health & Social Care Act.
Candidates were also asked for their thoughts on the position of women, who are increasingly found at the bottom of the pay gap and are disproportionately affected by austerity cuts.
The issue of homelessness, in particular, divided the five candidates. The Conservative Party candidate felt that ‘state, charities and faith groups’ should share responsibility, with help from personal donations. The UKIP candidate argued that the solution would be for the UK to leave the European Union.
Suggestions for tackling income inequality included compelling companies to make public the ratio between their highest and lowest paid staff, and cracking down on tax avoidance.
The NHS was a matter of contention. The UKIP candidate said that it suffered from ‘uncontrolled immigration’ and suggested that it was ‘only safe’ in his party’s hands, while the Labour representative argued that it couldn’t function without immigrants.The Liberal Democrat candidate suggested that, whilst amendments may be necessary, ‘another reorganisation is not what’s needed’.
The Green Party candidate expressed concern that Universal Credit would put money into one person’s hands per household, usually the man’s.
Contributions from the floor were lively throughout.
