William Clousten is the SDP candidate for Hexham.
North East Bylines asked candidates for our 27 constituencies ten questions on a range of subjects. We will be publishing their answers over the next few weeks.
1. What is your plan for economic revival in the North East?
Re-industrialisation, re-shoring of manufacturing, better trade policy.
2. How will you help to meet the UK’s Net Zero targets?
By instituting a large scale roll out of new British nuclear power stations to decarbonise and produce reliable base load. (policy here)
3. How will you work to end child poverty in the North East?
By tackling the root causes – family breakdown and de-industralisation..
4. What is your view of the war on Gaza and how would you resolve it?
The war is appalling and tragic for both sides. The route to a solution of the conflict lies in a cessation of violence, a long period of peace, the building up trust and serious negotiations leading to permanent and stable frontiers between two viable states – in that order.
5. How can the curriculum be widened to make it more useful and inclusive for our pupils?
We believe that ‘wellness’ – a new subject should be introduced to the national curriculum in place of the current PHSE. This will instruct students in good psychological and lifestyle habits, including nutritional and physical fitness goals, money management, home economics, cyberhealth, self-control, good manners, the destructiveness of drugs etc. Further, except where extenuating circumstances prevent it, schools should undertake a mandatory ‘daily mile’ whereby pupils and staff run, jog or walk one mile per day.
6. How do you propose to protect our waterways from contamination with sewerage?
By nationalisation our water industry (policy here). The privatised sector has failed – its priorities being siphoning off profits and loading the sector with debt. Disastrous.
7. What do you see are the main benefits of Brexit?
Far too early to speculate. UK GDP growth from 2015 exceeds that of Germany or France but the Tory government has largely botched Brexit and missed the opportunity for assertive self-governance which it presented. This is not surprising since the Conservatives did not support a policy of leaving the EU before the 2016 referendum.
8. What will you do to fight for fair pay for all NHS staff?
Sensible labour market planning in the NHS is urgent. The SDP has long advocated for this and we strongly support an increase in salaries for NHS staff and those in the adult care sector.
9. Which historical figure would you go to for advice?
Peter Shore (1924 – 2001) – former Labour Secretary of State for Trade. My political hero.
10. How would you ensure that you represent all constituents, including the ones who didn’t vote for you?
All citizens deserve to be represented by their MP – whatever their viewpoint. The key is to be available and at hand to help.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDER
HELP US BECOME STRONGER SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DELIVER POWERFUL CITIZEN JOURNALISM!
