Reading Quakers to hold ‘reverse hustings’
Reading Meeting is to hold 'reverse hustings' on 31 May
Reading Quaker meeting house will host a ‘reverse hustings’ on 31 May from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. All but two of the parties standing candidates at the general election in the Reading East and Reading West constituencies have accepted the invitation to take part. The Labour and Green candidates will be on the platform. A senior member of the Liberal Democrats’ campaign team will represent the party’s candidates, who have prior engagements. One Conservative candidate has declined the invitation while the other has not responded.
The team of Quakers coordinating the ‘reverse hutings’ want it to be an opportunity for all those standing in both Reading constituencies to hear local views. John Crosfield, a Reading Quaker, will be the hustings moderator. Admision to the event is free.
After each candidate has introduced themselves and their policy priorities , the audience will be invited to comment on four issues: local homelessness and local housing; integration and isolation in the community; energy and the environment; and creating a fairer society. The candidates will be then asked for a brief response.
John Crosfield said: ‘Quakers have a keen and long-standing interest in fostering communication between the people and Parliament. We held a similar event for the last general election in 2015, which showcased the candidates’ positions and allowed more informed choices to be made by voters.’
He asked: ‘Why are the Tories avoiding the public in this way? A hustings is a great way to engage with voters… The Conservative Party will be the only participating political party showing no interest in the public’s views on Reading’s future.’
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