I am pleased to report that six candidates participated in UNA Newbury's hustings event. Apologies were made by Paul Field (Green) who was unwell. Approximately 86 people attended, including UNA members, Green Party campaigners, councillors, churches and members of the local public.
Viv Williams, Chairman of UN Association Southern Region & UNA-UK Board representative, referred to the Association's Foreign Policy Manifesto in influencing international issues - copies were distributed, with New Worlds, supporters cards completed and returned, also Regional newsletters.
Jonny Roberts (Labour) kicked off proceedings on affordable housing, which is being termed a key issue. Concerns were expressed generally about whether the selling off of properties will really release the numbers required.
Judith Bunting (Lib Dems) tackled the burning issue of fair taxation and its influence in the Coalition.
Barry Singleton (Indepedent) called for integrity and truthfulness in our dealings as a nation.
Richard Benyon (Conservative) stressed we are living in a most dangerous world needing competent management.
Peter Norman (Apolitical) gave a humorous appraisal of profligacy and our addictive behaviour in issues across the board.
Catherine Anderson (UKIP) urged more democracy and accountability from our MP's and gave illustrations of savings that could be made.
The Q&A session saw climate change come to the fore, with Green Party Campaign Manager Carolyn Culver joining the panel, urging us to keep fossil fuels in the ground, as we are reaching the stage where climate change is irreversible.
Chairman Viv Williams welcomed this issue as one he and U.N.A. were much involved in campaigning on. The Liberal Democrat said they had in Coalition raised matters of protecting Green Energy (i.e. renewables, Green Energy Bank, electric vehicles).
In terms of overseas aid, the Government has raised our contribution to 0.7 per cent of national income, a target which was strongly supported by the Labour Candidate. UKIP, however, did not wish to have such a high expenditure.
Richard Benyon pointed to the achievement of narrowing the gap between rich and poor over the last five years.
A straw poll as to whether the speakers had been helpful in influencing views produced a positive response.
UNA-UK
subtitle: UK action. Stronger UN. Better world.