On Monday 1stMarch Stroud college hosted a election debate for students and the parliamentary candidates from Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green parties. The panel for the debate was consisted of:
David Drew Labour MP for Stroud and candidate for re-election
Neil Carmichael Parliamentary candidate for the Conservative party
Denis Andrewartha Parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrat party
Martin Whiteside Parliamentary candidate for the Green party
There was lively debate with insightful questions from students covering subjects such as Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Armed Forces equipment provision, banking bonuses, M.P."s expenses and the challenges facing farmers. A common message from all panel members was the importance of exercising the democratic right to vote in the forthcoming elections. May 6th was mentioned by several panel members but none would confirm this as the date of the next election!
Many thanks to the panel and students for making this such an interesting and rewarding event.
Following the party talks students voted in a mock general election. The winner was David Drew, Labour, with the remaining candidates following closely behind.
