Monday, May 03, 2010

Which Shropshire candidates support an English Parliament?

Shrewsbury & Atcham
Conservative candidate, Daniel Kawczynski, didn't respond to our enquiry but from past correspondence, supports English Votes on English Laws but opposes an English Parliament.

Green candidate, Alan Whittaker, couldn't be contacted (email address on his website incorrect).

Labour candidate, Jon Tandy, is "very busy and may not have time to respond". He didn't respond.

Lib Dem candidate, Dr Charles West, wants to stop MPs from Scotland, Wales and NI voting on English laws. Doesn't support an English Parliament but says he is open to being convinced.

UKIP candidate, Peter Lewis, believes the current system is unfair but is concerned that an English Parliament would overshadow Westminster and that there would be too much overlap between the two parliaments.  Supports abolishing devolved executives and having British MPs form "devolved" parliaments for all four home nations on a part-time basis.  Acknowledges that Scots would probably not support this.

BNP candidate, James Whittall, is committed to the principle of an English Parliament and believes that it is unfair that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should have a devolved parliament when England does not.

Impact Party candidate, James Gollins, didn't respond to our email.

Telford
Conservative candidate, Tom Biggins, failed to return calls or respond to emails

Labour candidate, David Wright, didn't respond to our enquiry but from past correspondence, opposes an English Parliament.

Lib Dem candidate, Phil Bennion, supports devolution for England and can see the logic behind an English Parliament although he has concerns that England's size will diminish the union. He suggests an alternative of English and English/Welsh days in the British parliament. Would like the incoming British government to produce a green paper on tidying up UK devolution.

UKIP candidate, Councillor Denis Allen, supports a devolved English Parliament with at least the same powers as the Scottish Parliament.

BNP candidate, Phil Spencer, is committed to the principle of an English Parliament and believes that it is unfair that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should have a devolved parliament when England does not.

North Shropshire
Conservative candidate, Owen Paterson, didn't respond to our enquiry but from past correspondence, supports English Votes on English Laws but opposes an English Parliament.

Green candidate, Steve Boulding, hasn't responded.

Labour candidate, Ian McLaughlan, doesn't support an English Parliament because he doesn't think people want an extra layer of politicians and because of the cost which he believes would be high.  He would, however, support select committees of MPs elected in England dealing with English matters.

Lib Dem candidate, Ian Croll, agrees that the English should control their own legislation but doesn't specifically mention an English Parliament.

UKIP candidate, Sandra List, agrees that the current situation is wrong but was on her way to a meeting and couldn't give a longer answer. Says she will provide a longer answer by email (check back for response).

BNP candidate, Phil Reddall, is committed to the principle of an English Parliament and believes that it is unfair that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should have a devolved parliament when England does not.

South Shropshire (Ludlow)
Conservative candidate, Philip Dunne, didn't respond to our enquiry but from past correspondence, supports English Votes on English Laws but opposes an English Parliament.

Green candidate, Jacquie Morrish, hasn't responded.

Labour candidate, Anthony Hunt, hasn't responded.

Lib Dem candidate, Heather Kidd, believes the English need their own representation. Didn't respond to a request to clarify whether this might involve an English Parliament.

UKIP candidate, Chris Gill, supports an English Parliament and made a submission to a Commission into the future of the House of Lords suggesting that it be reformed into a federal British parliament and the House of Commons turned into a devolved English Parliament when he was Conservative MP for South Shropshire.

BNP candidate, Christina Evans, is committed to the principle of an English Parliament and believes that it is unfair that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should have a devolved parliament when England does not.

Monster Raving Loony Party candidate, Alan Powell, didn't respond to our email.

Wrekin
Conservative candidate, Mark Pritchard, didn't respond to our enquiry but from past correspondence, supports English Votes on English Laws but opposes an English Parliament.

Labour candidate, Paul Kalinauskas, supports a devolved English Parliament although he does have some concerns that it might threaten the union. Of the opinion that Westminster is probably irrevocably tainted with distrust and seems remote from voters, unlike the Welsh Assembly.

Lib Dem candidate, Ali Cameron-Daw, hasn't responded.

UKIP candidate, Malcolm Hurst, supports an English Parliament if devolution continues but would prefer to return to one UK government. Points out that under the EU, England does not exist and has been replaced with 9 regions.

BNP candidate, Susan Harwood, is committed to the principle of an English Parliament and believes that it is unfair that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should have a devolved parliament when England does not.