What the candidates said and how they fared
On the evening of 24 June, over 212 people came to the Spurtle’s General Election Hustings in Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church. The meeting was chaired by Leith Central Community Council’s acting vice-chair Harald Tobermann.
Eight out of ten candidates standing in Edinburgh North & Leith attended. There were late cancellations from Niel Deepnarain (due to illness) and Kayleigh O’Neill (no explanation). Deepnarain’s introductory statement was read out at the start of the evening. O’Neill did not provide a similar statement and her proxy declined an invitation to speak briefly on her behalf.
All candidates were asked to give a 2-minute introduction to themselves. Thereafter, by prior agreement, questions were directed only at those candidates whose parties had elected members in either the Scottish or (most recent) Westminster Parliament. Answers of up to 90 seconds were policed with a bell.
This was an imperfect but pragmatic measure to allow enough time and space for the majority of candidates to answer across a range of topics. Those candidates who – for whatever reason – did not get to answer or introduce themselves from the podium now have a chance to do so in writing. We’ll post their responses here as and when we receive them.
The entire hustings are [since 3.30pm on 28 June] available to watch on here on YouTube, and that’s where the most accurate record of the event can be found. A link will appear on this page in due course.
Below we list questions and very briefly paraphrase answers and audience reactions. These hastily compiled summaries are interspersed with some remarks by Jaundiced of Claremont, whose unreliable observations have as usual been influenced by a diet of soor plooms and pickled wasps.
At the end, in a separate section, we include questions asked by readers in advance for which there was insufficient time on the evening. We’ll forward these to candidates and invite written answers.
This report was compiled at high speed. We're happy to make any necessary amendments.
1. INTRODUCTIONS
Jaundiced of Claremont (JoC):—When chair Harald Tobermann suggested that introductory statements offered an opportunity to add a little personal colour to their profiles, several of those about to speak turned deathly pale. The prospect of offering a ‘fun fact’ at short notice made one of them sit up abruptly, like a startled duck mistakenly sat on an ice cube. They all soldiered on valiantly.
Mike Anderson, Scottish Liberal Democrats (MA, SLD):—Originally from South Africa, he had fallen in love with welcoming, generous Edinburgh and Scotland. Subsequently settled here with husband and a Great Dane. Keen to help those struggling to afford food and heating. [Polite applause.]
Deidre Brock, Scottish National Party (DB, SNP):—Has been MP for Edinburgh North & Leith for the last 9 years. Long list of political interests and responsibilities, including: Northern Ireland; rural affairs; COP 26; Shadow Leader of the House; scandal of dodgy spending on PPE during the Covid pandemic. [Polite applause]
Niel Deepnarain, Scottish Family Party – Defending Traditional Values, pictured below:—[Absent through illness. Written introduction read out by Spurtle team member.] I will work hard to earn the trust of people, creating positive relationships. I will act on what I say. Issues I would fight for include more active policing for safer streets, good education for all, local housing issues, helping those affected by the cost-of-living crisis, attracting more investment into businesses. [Polite applause.]
Tracy Gilbert, Scottish Labour Party (TG, SLab):—Labour is the only party to pass test of competent plans for tax payers and the economy. No return to austerity. Mentioned: Jim on Leith Walk, a pensioner waiting for a hip replacement; 2 parents in work relying on food banks; Stockbridge young man who can’t afford to heat his home. ‘These are not strangers – these are our friends, families, neighbours’. This area is my home – I know it like back of my hand. Experienced trade union worker. Will work tirelessly. Vote for change. [Polite applause.]
JoC:—The sentiment, sense and heartfelt delivery of ‘These are not strangers – these are our friends, families, neighbours’ were genuinely moving. It came early but was probably Gilbert’s high spot of the evening.
David Jacobsen, Socialist Labour Party (DJ, SocL), pictured below:—Has lived in Leith for 24 years. SLP, established by Arthur Scargill and others, represents the socialist element squeezed out of the Labour Party. Favours collective ownership of the means of production, fair distribution of health, education and welfare. Has worked in NHS for 20+ years and wants to reverse cuts to it. [Polite applause.]
JoC:—Jacobsen (a seasoned hustings veteran) is not normally noted for a jaunty stage presence. This evening, he appeared more relaxed and cheerful than on previous occasions. This may have been due to his enjoyment of a recently acquired senior bus pass, or, as he mentioned shortly before the event, because – at the ripe old age of 61 – he does not expect there will be many more hustings to endure. The same could probably be said for 40 per cent of the audience.
Alan Melville, Reform UK (AM, RUK):—We are unique in that we don’t agree with Net Zero, or making fuel more expensive, or that there’s a problem with CO2 levels. [A hushed audience, then murmurs of disbelief/disagreement.] As a mathematician, I don’t trust the models. There are relatively small differences between the other parties … angels dancing on the head of a pin. ‘We’re completely different.’ Reform will fix Britain, get people working, raise the income-tax threshold to £20k. I expect to be disagreed with but hope you’ll listen. [Polite applause.]
JoC: Melville speaks softly and very slowly. He surveys the audience during pauses between sentences. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. I found myself worrying he was about to go, ‘BOO!’
Jo Mowat, Scottish Conservative & Unionist (JM, SC&U)—I lived in this constituency for 30 years before moving away in December 2023. I am a City Centre ward councillor. Despite the crash in 2008, the pandemic, war in Europe, the Conservatives are getting the country back on track with plans that are starting to work. Keep taxes low. Reform services. Focus on basics – roads, education, health service, low taxes to stimulate the economy. [Polite applause.]
JoC: A hesitant start from a usually confident public speaker.
Kayleigh O’Neill, Scottish Greens, pictured below:—[Absent. No spoken introduction from proxy or written statement to read out. We’ll make one available here, along with answers to all other questions, in due course.]
Richard Shillcock, Communist Party of Britain (RS, CPB), pictured below:—Proportion of national wealth that goes to working people keeps falling year on year. If you don’t view politics through lens of class, you’re part of the problem. Communists have a unique take on all the big issues. Peace is an existential question – humanity could be destroyed by war in Europe. Communists are the only party calling for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Ukraine. [Polite applause.]
JoC:—An impressive, gentle and reasonable voice intoning from a very great height. Half-expected tablets of stone to be distributed among the audience afterwards.
Caroline Waterloo, — (CW), pictured below:—I’m originally Dutch but have lived in Dublin for 10 years then Edinburgh for 10 years. In the last 2 years, Edinburgh has ceased to be a happy place … I want to get that happiness back. I’m part of the Edinburgh People Party, newly formed and with insufficient time to register with the Electoral Commission. We’re fielding 5 candidates. Aim to provide a voice for locals and make sure it’s listened to and acted upon to bring improvements. Don’t rely on career politicians. Our party is grassroots-led. Very democratic internal mechanisms. Policies on our website. [Polite applause.]
JoC:—Nervous but engaging debut. Did well to pack such a lot, intelligibly, into 2 minutes.
2. QUESTION FROM MARTIN HUNT. Would each of the panellists give their view on whether they would support a further 60/40 referendum on allowing the UK to rejoin the European Union?
AM (RUK) (pictured below):—No. [Audience laughter] It took us 40 years to get out of the EU. Can we spend another 20 or 30 years sorting it out?
TG (SLab):—No. It was a democratic choice. As a trade unionist I understand the benefits of being in Europe, and I think Brexit has been disastrous. We now have to build better relationships with Europe and make the best of the situation.
DB (SNP):—Yes. The SNP is the only mainstream party seeking a return to the EU. In this constituency, 78% of people voted to remain (62% in Scotland as a whole). Polls suggest 72% people now favour a return. [Loud applause.]
MA (SLD):—Correction (for DB) – LibDems also favour a return to the EU. But first, let’s tackle worst aspects of BRexit. Work more closely with Europe and rejoin agencies (e.g. Erasmus), rebuild trade links and eventually rejoin.
JM (SC&U):— No. Don’t re-run referendums given damage they have already caused. Improve relations but remain outside the EU. Recent election results suggest Europe is on the cusp of seismic change. Avoid more disruption.
3. QUESTION FROM FIONA CAMPBELL FOR ALAN MELVILLE. How can you convince me that your flighty political allegiances in the past (UKIP, Brexit, Independent) make you fit to govern and lead?
AM (RUK):—UKIP has fallen apart and I fell out with its Scottish leader Paul Coburn. Brexit Party has ended. Reform UK is the only place I have left.
JoC: Melville at this point looked like a lonely yeti.
4. INAUDIBLE AUDIENCE QUESTION FOR DEIDRE BROCK. [Update (26.6.24): Question was along the lines of 'If I like the SNP and like the SNP candidate but don't think this is the right time to push for independence, should I still vote for the SNP?]
DB (SNP):—[DB asked for the question to be repeated, but seemed to remain confused afterwards.] A vote for the SNP is a vote for independence. I firmly believe in the benefits of independence. My experience of Westminster clearly shows how uninterested in Scotland that place is. Opinion polls show around 50% of people favour independence in Scotland.
5. AUDIENCE QUESTION. What would your party do about ongoing genocide in Gaza?
TG (SLab) (pictured below):—Labour has called for immediate ceasefire. [Unintelligible heckle.] Atrocities are awful. We seek a 2-state solution.
AM (RUK):—What genocide? [Some audience groans.] The only genocide was of Israelis on 7 October. [Angry heckles.] Israel is trying to wipe out an organisation which will never never compromise. [Applause.]
JoC: My impression was that applause matched heckles for Melville’s blunt response.
JM (SC&U):—Seek ceasefire. Need commitment from Hamas and Israel. Need 2-state solution. Need international effort to engage Israel and Hamas. [Applause.]
JoC: Mowat’s first warm applause of the evening.
MA (SLD):—Horrified by situation in Israel and Gaza. LibDems were first to call for ceasefire and 2-state solution. Hold those guilty of atrocities to justice. Ban sale of weapons to countries that don’t uphold human rights.
DB (SNP):—SNP called for immediate ceasefire but our first motion was outmanoeuvred by politicking. [Brock addresses heckler by name.] Those committing atrocities should be brought to court. We should recognise the Palestinian state and stop selling arms to Israel. Release hostages. [Applause.]
6. QUESTION FROM KARIN FARNWORTH. The effects of climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly being seen at home and overseas. How will your party prioritise and fund practical measures to address this? [Quiet applause.]
JM (SC&U):—I’m not going to thumb through manifesto commitments – that would be boring. We’re committed to Net Zero but not at damaging cost to the economy. We seek affordable ways to build a new green economy. I can’t give you all the details at the moment because I haven’t memorised them.
JoC:—Audience stunned by candour.
AM (RUK):—Nonsense. I think CO2 levels are overstated. Climate has changed for millions of years. Focus on dealing with its negative effects but don’t ditch jobs in North Sea offshore industry. Moving CO2 production abroad, where there are even less environmental protections than here, is not the solution. We need local energy security, using nuclear power.
JoC:—Silence following JM’s answer was as nothing compared to silence following Melville’s. You could hear a pin drop, with or without an angel dancing on it.
TG (SLab):—We’re committed to publicly owned GB Energy to deliver better green jobs and a greener economy. Just transition from oil and gas. Double wind power. Triple solar power. New pipeline of jobs and training for young people. Green housing. Need for alternative affordable resources (electric cars too expensive). Climate change deniers are burying heads in sand.
DB (SNP): I find David Melville’s climate-change denial incredible. [Applause.] Nova Exploration in Edinburgh is addressing Base Load. We don’t support nuclear power and its associated waste. Expensive nuclear modular reactors take 10 years to come into operation. Pro: green energy, better insulation of homes, district heating for future housing schemes. Can’t rely on any one scheme – need a mix of solutions. [Heckle.]
JoC:—Chair tells persistent heckler, ‘It’s not a debate, sorry.’ An abrupt bell dings. Order is restored.
MA (SLD): Need to help people improve homes. Net zero by 2045. Zero emissions by 2030. Heat pumps and solar. Uphill fight but Britain is good at challenges.
JoC: Andersen’s answers are typically calm, concise, to the point and clearly phrased. He didn’t generate many strong audience reactions but was accomplished in a low-key and persuasive way. The audience certainly warmed to him as the evening went on. If he has the stomach to continue in politics, I suspect he could do rather well.
7. AUDIENCE QUESTION. Are candidates’ homes suitable to convert away from a gas boiler (to heat pump) and, if so, have you done it?
DB (SNP) (pictured below):—No. I’d possibly consider it. Have been out with Changeworks a few months ago and seen that combination of insulation and air-source heat pump can work.
MA (SLD):—No, but agree with need to do so. Looking to put in solar in my new-build accommodation.
JM (SC&U):—No. I’ve recently moved to a factored flat in an estate. I can’t put in an air-source pump because of planning regulations. Neighbours and I need a whole-estate solution (district heating) for the area.
AM (RUK):—No. I live on the 4th floor so not it’s not suitable. I have an electric boiler.
TG (SLab):—I don’t have a gas boiler but in favour of better (green) solutions for heating.
8. QUESTION FROM STOCKBRIDGE PARISH CHURCH GROUP: What are your plans for social care? [Applause.]
TG (SLab):—Important issue, of which I have personal family experience. Labour commitments will help raise wages in line with NHS reform for joined-up response. We want to work on a cross-party basis to find solutions. Costly but the right thing to do.
AM (RUK):—Good question. I haven’t read the manifesto on this. (I’ve been laid up with whooping cough for the last week.) Raising the income tax threshold will help. A tax-free grace period (3–5 years) for NHS key workers would help, and so would a proper training programme.
JoC:—Mowat, sitting adjacent to Melville, stiffens at mention of whooping cough and stares straight ahead, almost as if holding her breath.
JM (SC&U):—At UK level, the Conservatives would increase funding for social care with Barnett consequential [benefiting Scotland]. We would introduce training and create a proper career path in social care. Answer isn’t spending £2bn on services – it’s better spent on wages and career progression.
DB (SNP):—Brexit has made many carers leave and go back to Europe. [Applause.] Conservatives’ repugnant immigration policies (e.g. spousal fees going up to £38k next year won’t help. Crisis in social care has been caused by government policies. Need to reverse damage with a long-term vision. [Applause.]
JoC:—Brock’s measured and detailed answers were effective, individually and cumulatively. She was the only one of the candidates to make debating points (particularly at the expense of Labour) but mostly managed to do so without sounding abrasive. Her use of the word ‘repugnant’ was a marked change of tone which sent a frisson through the audience.
MA (SLD):—Care is in crisis. People stuck in hospitals [because without social care in place it’s not possible to send them home]. Everyone should have the right to high-quality care in their own home when possible. Increase level of minimum wages for staff. Increase carer allowance for unpaid carers. Ensure paid leave for professional carers leave and improve funding to meet unpaid carers’ needs. Get new people into social care careers.
9. QUESTION FROM FIONA CAMPBELL: Do you plan to charge VAT at the full rate of 20% for independent schools, and if so, can you guarantee that the money raised from Scottish parents would directly benefit children in Scottish state schools?
MA (SLD):—We don’t support VAT on education. Private schools in Scotland are very different to those in the rest of the UK. Many Scots parents make sacrifices to privately educate their children. Imposing VAT would result in pressure on state schools by the number of new pupils. How would money raised come back to Edin North & Leith? The very wealthy would continue to educate their children privately.
DB (SNP):—Yes, we support 20% VAT. Scottish Government’s ability to raise income tax explains why local authorities here are not going bankrupt here as they are down south. If a similar ability existed in England and Wales, it would raise money for local authorities to improve services including schools. There is a blackhole in Conservative and Labour spending plans. [Ripple of applause.]
TG (SLab):—Yes. Barnet consequentials should be used to drive up standards in state schools. Teachers struggling to teach hungry kids. [Applause.]
AM (RUK):—No. Private education should not be taxed. Taxes are already at 70-year high. Govt needs to cut its cloth to match its purse. $900bn raised by quantitative easing is sitting in banks with us paying interest on it (£40bn per year).
JM (SC&U):—No. This would be an innumerate policy across the UK. At present, over 25% of Edinburgh kids are in private education. Many of their parents couldn’t afford to continue, with a net cost increase resulting for the Council. State schools here (especially secondary schools) are full up already for the next 4–5 years. This would be a really bad policy for Edinburgh.
10. AUDIENCE QUESTION: Do you agree that there is no place for cruel policies like the 2-child benefit cap?
TG (SLab): We oppose it and will continue to do so, even though not mentioned in our manifesto. People also need secure housing and we promise to look at Universal Benefit.
DB (SNP):—We have consistently argued against it. I thought Labour had said they’d retain 2-childcap and remove cap on bankers’ bonuses. Has to be stopped. I want Labour to commit to scrap it. [Applause.]
MA (SLD):—Many people are 1 pay cheque away from poverty. Yes, we’d scrap it. [Applause.]
JoC:—Loudest applause this evening for Andersen.
JM (SC&U):—No. We don’t plan any changes to these policies. [Laugher.]
AM (RUK):—We haven’t made any commitment either way. It’s probably wrong, but can we afford to do anything about it?
11. QUESTION FROM ROSALIE FAITHFULL. The UK has the most expensive public transport in Europe. What will your party do to make sure that public transport is reliable and affordable?
MA (SLD):—I agree that UK transport is expensive. Needs to be affordable and effective. To achieve that, we’d push decision making to the local level. More electrified lines and more staff. Need a viable public-transport option for all. [Ripple of applause.]
JM (SC&U) (pictured below):—Conservative commitment to a £2 cap on bus fares and bringing back some railway lines cut by Dr Beeching.
AM (RUK):—[Slight hesitation. ‘Go on, Alan,’ from audience. Laughter.] We haven’t committed to bus-fare cap. We do want investment in public transport but not by inviting foreign companies to come in and make us pay through the nose. No one remembers British Rail with affection. [Some audience members demur.] Would try to persuade pension funds to invest in public transport.
TG (SLab):—Bring railways back into the public sector. Build [Scottish] ferries. Improve buses. [Applause.]
DB (SNP): Take Network Rail back into public hands. Put profits back into infrastructure not hands of shareholders. ScotRail (publicly owned) has been able to offer discounted and free travel to particular groups (young and old). That’s not common in the rest of the UK. More investment in active travel. [Applause.]
12. AUDIENCE QUESTION. What is your plan to get improved infrastructure delivered, including using the Edinburgh South Suburban Rail Line for passengers?
TG (SLab):—Take it in-house. Invest in steel making and (state-run) GB Rail.
AM (RUK):—The last steel foundry in the UK is about to close. We need them to remain open and working. I don’t want to see any more trams. We should connect Carlisle to the end of the Waverley Line. Need to double-track more rail lines for freight and passengers.
JM (SC&U):—Very ambitious targets (e.g. to reduce car journeys) have unforeseen consequences that sometimes increase mileage on short journeys. Can’t afford to do everything we’d like to, but I personally favour using the Edinburgh South Suburban line.
MA (SLD):—There are difficult financial choices. We must make sustainable and just policy decisions. Can’t simply tell people to give up cars. Invest in railway. Open new lines. Set reasonable targets and meet them to meet climate targets.
DB (SNP):—[Sudden blizzard of facts and figures brought traffic to a halt for this transcriber.] Would love more Barnett consequentials for transport. Redirect wasted HS2 funds for Scotland. Put transport in public not private hands. Active travel improvements to make roads more attractive for cyclists.
13. AUDIENCE QUESTION. What would you do to support the BBC and ensure its continued independence?
JM (SC&U):—It’s a much loved institution. The question is, how to fund it in a rapidly changing broadcasting environment. Must adjust constitution to cope. This isn’t necessarily an attack even though it may feel like one to those within the BBC. It’s right that there should be an ongoing conversation.
AM (RUK):—Nigel [Farage] has recently gone after the BBC for good reason: Nick Robinson kept trying to interrupt his answers. There’s much that’s good about the BBC, but I’m not sure its news has kept its impartiality. There’s a dangerous groupthink in how it’s run . No genuine right-wing comedians on Mock the Week. Diversity of people and views not as good as it was 20 years ago. [Very slight applause.]
TG (SLab):—BBC is loved by folk all over the world. We support building pipelines of jobs from (normal) schools and FE colleges into broadcasting. Am a big fan of the BBC.
DB (SNP):—I’m a member of the All Party Group on Public Broadcasting. My father worked for ABC in Australia. Public-service broadcasting needs to remain independent. Must not be subject to political influence as many of us suspect is happening behind the scenes with the BBC.
MA, SLD:—I agree with the other candidates. Protect the BBC. One of our strongest cultural exports and supports democracy and reporting standards across the world. Reform UK already gets plenty of coverage on the BBC. [Laughter and applause.]
14. AUDIENCE QUESTION. Would you retain or scrap the minimum-income threshold (£38.7k) for immigrants coming to the UK?
DB (SNP):—It’s appalling. I don’t understand it. Just another example of the Government’s repugnant attitudes to immigration. What if you fall in love with a foreigner and can’t bring them here? What if my daughter falls for an Australian? Unacceptable. Fight it all the way we can.
TG (SLab):—I agree – it’s repugnant. I have personal family experience of its effects. Would scrap Rwanda policy. There are huge benefits that come from immigration, especially in Scotland and especially for the NHS and social care.
AM (RUK):—We want to reduce immigration. By saying this, ‘I’m likely to make some unfriends’. The 180k dependant visas issued to students is excessive. But increase to £38k income threshold is too much. Previous level was about right and encouraged people to work not loaf.
JoC:—There’s something about Melville’s word ‘unfriends’ which was typically unsettling. As one whose views faced, at best, widespread scepticism in the room – at worst, widespread hostility, he bore up well. He never shouted or frothed at the mouth, as some believe all Reform UK supporters do. He mostly presented reasoned points of view, even if some found them wrongheaded or unpalatable. Several candidates echoed his suspicion of politicians who don’t acknowledge the difficulty and imperfection of political decisions.
JM (SC&U):—A hard question. There are pressures on the NHS, on housing, on temporary accommodation (5k per night in Edinburgh) … We don’t have capacity to cope with current levels of immigration. It’s the third most important issue for voters across the UK. Can’t afford current levels and pressures on services.
MA, SLD:—We support family values, not separating them and driving them apart. Pro merit-based system focusing on local economic needs. Scotland needs immigrants in the NHS and social care. [Loud applause.]
15. QUESTION FROM IAN MACBETH. If you could replace one policy from your own party’s manifesto with one policy from another party’s manifesto, which of your policies would you scrap and which of your opponents’ policies would you steal?
AM (RUK):—Nothing from SNP, nothing from the Greens, nothing from Labour, nothing from the Tories. I honestly quite like our policies. I can’t think of anything.
JoC:—Slow, horrible, gargling death in quicksand.
TG (SLab):—Would adopt scrapping 2-child benefit cap.
JoC:—Neat. Economical. Move on.
DB (SNP):—I’d adopt employment proposals from Labour. SNP would like devolved employment law for Scotland. [Gentle applause.]
JoC:—Politically adept footwork.
MA (SLD):—Immediately bring down income tax. Will address down the line. [Applause.]
JoC:—Sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
JM (SC&U):—Would underscore Labour’s emphasis on economic growth. (For a long time missing in their policies. Glad to welcome them back to the real world.) The better your private sector, the more you can afford public investment (especially to alleviate poverty).
JoC:—Another well-judged political response, simultaneously patting Labour on the back and poking them one in the eye.
Tobermann as Chair is disappointed by ‘dogmatic’ and ‘uninspired’ answers which, in one way or another, all dodged the question. Decides to subject candidates to one more question from the audience.
16. AUDIENCE QUESTION: How will you help renters to insulate homes across the UK?
JM (SC&U):—Be very very careful about how you interfere with the rental market. Unintended consequences have increased rents and homelessness in Scotland more than anywhere else in the UK. Edinburgh especially hard hit. Establish grants for landlords to improve their properties. [Heckle: What about right to buy? Wasn’t that the root of the problem?] No it’s not about that.
JoC:—This was perhaps Mowat’s strongest answer of the evening. She came across as experienced, knowledgeable and focused on this issue.
AM (RUK):—Rents are too high. My niece pays £975 per month for a 1-bedroom unfurnished flat in Edinburgh. That’s the effect of well-meaning rent reforms in Scotland. Rent controls have never worked. Over 10–20 years, rent controls remove properties from the market or force renters into slum conditions. Policymakers should stay out of the rental market. Government has no business in it.
TG (SLab):—Edinburgh’s housing emergency is a supply/demand problem and budget for affordable housing has been. slashed. Need to increase supply through building (which would also create jobs). Increase social housing to provide security for s young families. Extend right to have a mortgage for first-time buyers.
JoC:—Rather like the Labour election campaign so far, Gilbert’s performance has been steady and unalarming all evening. It would be unrealistic to expect detailed costings from her when no such reliable figures are available from her own or any other party headquarters.
DB (SNP):—The right to buy was abolished in Scotland. There is more affordable housing available per head of population in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK. I would abolish right-to-buy across the whole of the UK.
MA (SLD):—Build 380k houses a year, 150k of which is social housing. Help people to insulate their homes, starting with the poorest people. [Applause.]
Chair Harald Tobermann thanks the audience for listening to the arguments. Thanks the Broughton Spurtle for organising. Successfully encourages non-party-political applause for all candidates and congratulates them on surviving a gruelling ordeal.
‘That concludes the group stage and now we move on to the knock-out round.’
Meeting ends at 9.30pm.
THE QUESTIONS THAT WEREN’T ASKED … BUT WILL BE
From Simon Holledge: The First Past The Post system used by Westminster has probably existed since people were elected in caves. Results are disproportional, some people don’t bother, some vote tactically. If you [the candidates] are elected would you support — and encourage your party to support — the introduction of a fairer, more democratic way of selecting our representatives?
From Charlotte Encombe: As we are already represented by our MSP in Edinburgh Northern & Leith, could the candidates please explain what value they would add to improving life in our area, considering most powers are already devolved to the Scottish Government.
From Cath: Edinburgh North and Leith host a company that supplies arms parts currently used in the Israel/Palestine conflict. If elected, what would be your focus on Foreign Policy and arms sales?
From Stockbridge Church Fellowship Group: When will you restore the 0.7% of GDP for Foreign Aid?
From Andrew Naughtie: A lot of small businesses in our part of Edinburgh are being forced to close by a combination of factors, from rising rates and energy bills to competition from chains who can afford both of those. What can and will you do to help save local businesses who bring in what should be more than enough trade to thrive but can't cope with unavoidable costs?
From Anne: All parties say they are going to recruit more teachers, nurses, doctors etc but surely what they should be doing is retaining those in the professions that we’ve spent so much money training and not recruiting staff from poorer countries. What plans do the parties have to retain these key workers?
From Stockbridge Church Fellowship Group: What are your plans concerning Climate Change both in this country and with regard to developing countries?
From Stockbridge Church Fellowship Group: What will your party do to restore nature, reduce emissions, and grow healthy and sustainable food without causing environmental harm overseas?
From Rosalie Faithfull: According to the Government’s own statistics, 85% of people said they support the use of renewable energy, such as wind power and solar energy to provide electricity, fuel and heat. What will your party do to ensure we are investing in renewables?
From Suzanne Ewing: What is your approach to establishing integrated policies and practices that genuinely incentivise improvements to existing buildings that lower embodied carbon, utilise green energy and enable affordable living in the existing buildings all across our cities? What is the policy or strategy you are going to lobby for first?
From Stockbridge Church Fellowship Group: Apprentice training – How will you support Apprenticeships and encourage young people to take part in them as a recognised and respected form of education?
From Christopher Day for Kayleigh O'Neill (Green): The SGP manifesto says that 'Legislation and investment at a UK level would allow for the renationalisation of all public transport, including bus services.' Why would Lothian Buses be better owned and controlled by the Scottish Government compared to the current arrangements?
From Christopher Day for Tracy Gilbert (Labour): You posted on social media that 'Labour is the party of drivers'. This constituency includes areas of low car ownership and high propensity to walk and use public transport. Was this really a good message for local electors, and does Labour have anything to say about public transport beyond 'we'll nationalise it and everything will be wonderful?'
From Christopher Day for Deidre Brock (SNP): The SNP manifesto proposes to ban the sale of new, non zero-emission buses by 2025'. This will introduce new costs on bus operators. Why are you proposing to do this for buses, but not for goods vehicles, taxis, private hire cars etc. etc?
From Anon: What is your view on assisted dying? Though it would be legislation for England only, would you vote if it comes to the Commons? Margaret Hamilton also asked how candidates stand on this issue, although her question concerned the bill going through Holyrood so is not strictly relevant.
From Anon: Is being a woman a biological reality that you are born with, or a feeling? If it is a feeling, what is that feeling?
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