Thursday 20 June saw a lively and impassioned debate from the general election rivals from the Bradford West constituency, in the form of a hustings event.
Hustings are meetings where election candidates or parties debate policies and answer questions, providing voters with the chance to hear the different views.
There are 8 candidates contesting the seat at the coming 4 July election, however, only 4 attended – Khalid Mahmood (Green Party) Mohammed Ali Islam (Independent Party), Naz Shah (Labour) and Nigel David Moxon (Conservative)
It was the first hustings held for Bradford West, which saw questions sent in by guests and featured the General election rivals taken to task over vital issues to Bradford West, including how they would combat soaring child poverty rates, the future of the NHS, Student loans and the crises in Palestine.
The event was chaired by Student Union President Aleem Bashir.
Kicking off the debate was the opening speeches, with the candidates outlining their overall stances.
Khalid Mahmood put forward that voters have been badly let down by the mainstream, with hospitals and schools being neglected and under strain.
Mohammed Ali Islam followed pointing to underfunding of vital services and the need for economic regeneration, more job opportunities and better education. The Labour candidate, Naz Shah argued that the election will see a Labour Government come to power, and that she will address NHS waiting lists, the need for more teachers and police, and the overall need for economic stability.
Conservative Nigel David Moxon stated that the only two realistic choices for voters in the coming election were Labour or Conservative, and alleging his view that a Labour Government will mean steeper taxation, saying that ‘A Labour Government will cost you more.”
The debate then went on to look at the issue of a lack of funding for education in Bradford, and how the candidates would approach this essential problem for the constituency.
Conservative Nigel David Moxon stated that in his view courses should be looked at – are they courses that the UK really needs?
Naz Shah’s position was to look at education as a whole – not simply further education but making sure children get a good start in life. Naz also pointed to the fact that Bradford University is a leader in Artificial Technology, and that should be something that should be supported by any administration.
Mohammed Ali Islam spoke about the importance of scholarships and for better quality, accountability and transparency.
The Green Party candidate pointed to a shortage of teachers, and the particular issue In Bradford of the use of supply teachers that is ‘not working’.
Developing the debate further, the issue of tuition fees was put to candidates. Naz Shah highlighted difficulties for talented foreign students, and the contribution that they can make. The Conservative candidate argued that the issue should be approached through better efficiencies, and the need for a thriving education system.
The issue of whether tuition fees are working at all was covered, when they are putting many hardworking students into debt.
Drawing support from the audience was Independent Party candidate Mohammed Ali Islam, who passionately argued “Why on Earth should any student pay a single penny – WHY?”, stating the case for free education.
Other key issues debated are the rising cost of living and the struggling state of the NHS. Mohammed Ali Islam boldly stated the government should focus more on funding the NHS, and divert funds from what he calls ‘unfair foreign wars’
Across the debate the view that patients are suffering and that better funding for the NHS is desperately needed. The Conservative candidate again pointed to a need for better efficiencies and his view that the issue ‘isn’t going to be solved overnight’.
Labour candidate Naz Shah cited 14 years of Tory austerity as the issue, and the resulting chaos that has ensued.
The issue of rising poverty in Bradford was also discussed. Independent candidate pointed to the fact that many Billionaires are avoiding paying taxes, meaning that vital funds are not being raised. The Conservative candidate countered that the real way forward was to grow the UK economy.
Support for local businesses was also an issue in the hustings debate, with Bradford City Centre being referred to as a , ‘ghost town’. More support and networking for businesses was an answer put forward. Labour’s Naz Shah blamed a Tory government that had ‘Crashed the economy’ and urged voters to stop the chaos.
The final question put to the candidates was the continuing horror of the crisis in Palestine.
Labour’s Naz Shah stated her long standing call for a ceasefire, and the need for the conflict to be a central issue for UK politics. Independent candidate Mohammed Ali Islam voiced his concern that there would be no peace with either a Conservative of Labour government.
The hustings finished with speeches from all candidates in attendance. The Conservative candidate argued that the only real choice was between Labour and the Conservatives, and that a vote for Labour was taking a gamble on the future.
The Green Party put forward that a total change of leadership was needed. Mohammed Ali Islam argued for his vital role as someone ‘embedded’ in the Bradford community that is not tied to party policies.
Naz Shah also talked of herself of being born and bred in Bradford, the need for advocation on vital issues.
Although invited, candidates not in attendance were:
Akeel Hussain – Independent
Umar Ghafoor – Independent
Imad Uddin Ahmed – Liberal Democrats
Jamie Alan Hinton – Wardle – Reform UK
Since the hustings, all candidates have been putting their best foot forward to win the votes of the people of Bradford West.
Elsewhere in the district candidates in Bradford East, Bradford South, Shipley and Keighley areas are also making pledges and promises to work hard for their electorate.
Ultimately, it’s you who decides who will be victorious at the ballot box. So do vote on 4 July and stay tuned for more election news at www.asianstandard.co.uk
