In the run up to this year’s general election we wanted to find out a bit more about some of our local candidates and share with you what they had to say. David Drew of the Labour party kindly agreed to speak to us. Here’s what he had to say. If you wish, you can ask him and the party more questions on their Facebook Page, Twitter or Website
What’s your view of the UK as part of the outside world? Do you think that we’re better off in the EU and if so why?
I support a referendum on the EU as we need to make our mind up on this issue. As currently constituted the EU will not continue.
Did you go to university? If so, did you have to pay tuition fees and/or did you receive a grant? How would you change the current tuition fee system?
Yes but a long time ago. It is vital that we drop the level of fees which are crippling.
A lot of younger voters often feel patronised or overlooked completely, which of your parties policies do you feel specifically benefit young people and why?
We need votes at 16 and resources to rebuild the youth and community service alongside jobs and training for all young people.
A lot of music venues are getting closed down to noise complaints from people who just moved to the area. Do you feel this is an issue? What solution would you propose?
We need a more tolerant society. Losing any venue is tragedy.
Prime Ministers questions have made a mockery of the political system in recent years, like watching jeering school boys attempting to one up each other – how would you change the current system to turn it into a useful debate rather than an incessant insults throwing and question dodging?
Get rid of PM Questions!
A minimum turnout for strike ballots has been proposed recently – do you think this is fair? If we need a minimum turnout for a ballot strike should we also have minimum turnouts for all elections and referendums?
There are far too many restrictions on trade unions already. There must be no more!
House prices are still rising yet salaries generally aren’t – young professionals can only dream about home ownership while giving money every month to landlords – what do you think should be done about this? What would you propose?
We need a mixed tenure including council housing. Most important issue is to provide more appropriate homes.
The NHS appears to be struggling these days and is most likely underfunded – how would you go about resolving the issues the NHS faces or do you believe we’d be better off moving to a system based around private medical insurance?
We must protect the NHS and this can only be done by paper resourcing. The NHS is important because it keeps my family and myself alive.
What’s your opinion on tax money being used to fund arts?
Important that we fund the arts through the state.
What is your view on renewable energy? Should we push for more renewable sources? What is your view of nuclear energy?
We must fund more renewables which has to be subsidised.
Did your parents buy you a car when you were in your teens or early twenties?
Later 20s.
Did you have a part time job during A-levels and/or Uni?
Yes! I worked as a bricklayer’s labourer and as a nursing auxiliary.
Have you ever held a minimum wage job before going into politics?
Yes!
Outside of politics, what do you do? What are you hobbies?
I’m doing a PhD and watch FGR!
For people who are reluctant to vote, for whatever reason, why should they take part in the General Election?
It should be everyone’s duty to vote – that’s our obligation in a democracy.
Which of your party’s policies do you hold most dear?
Restoring the NHS.
In your opinion, what is the number one priority of your local constituency?
Restoring the NHS
If you could only listen to 5 albums for the rest of your life, which albums would they be?
Sorry never get time but one would be Carananswri
Which film, released in the last year, would you awarded ‘Best film’ to if you could have curated this year’s Oscars?
Pride
Do you ever attend live music? If so, what was the last gig you went to?
Not now often but did last week
Do you play video games? If so, which game are you currently playing?
No!
Are there any TV shows you just can’t miss? Or any shows you’re upset have been cancelled?
MASH
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