Climate change, Russia and private school fees: BWS hustings highlights

Just nine days before the general election, the second of the two hustings in Salisbury took place, giving Salisbury’s constituents the chance to hear from all seven candidates standing this year.

On Tuesday, June 25, at Bishop Wordsworth’ School (BWS), the hall soon became filled with constituents. The evening began with a short introduction from each candidate.

Barney referenced the BWS motto “Veritas in Caritate” as part of his introduction – as a former student of the school.

For the full live blog, click here.

Victoria said: “I want to be a community MP. Salisbury is my home – just like yours.”

Questions from the audience to the board spanned from economic stability, climate change, farming policies and the pandemic, before candidates could be asked questions individually.

Matt was asked to explain Labour’s proposal to put VAT on private school fees, and was also challenged to answer the tricky question from Barney Norris on where he lives – which is not Salisbury.

PICTURED: Victoria Charleston (left) and Matt Aldridge (right) (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography)

He explained that state schools have a lack of investment, and that "I ask you to go to your independent schools and ask them to look at their business model. When you look at the accounts, they can find the room to not pass on the costs down to parents but absorb it like any other business".

For the latter question, he said he has the "intention" to move.

READ MORE: Salisbury City Council faces bankruptcy if it continues to overspend

Lively debates took place between John and Matt – candidates representing the current majority parties in the UK. Matt thanked John with his support with campaigning but then went on to ask him: “What advice would you give to the next MP of Salisbury?”

John responded: "Its a great privilege, its hard work, its lonely."

Conservative's John Glen (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography)

"I don't intend to walk away from Salisbury. If I'm not re elected, my heart and commitment is to this city and I will work with anyone elected to do the best for this city I've given my life to."

John was also asked if he had considered standing as an independent, which he said he “doesn’t believe it’s the right thing to do”

"I take responsibility for being part of the Conservative government. It's dishonourable for me to walk away when the going gets tough. That's politics, I take it on the chin and that's my choice."

READ MORE: Calls for Stonehenge to go on World Heritage in Danger List

Chris was asked to explain the difference between Climate party and Green party, and he said his party was a “better fit” with what he believes in.

Julian began stating some of Reform's proposals.

Julian Malins (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography)

He said: "Gender and race ideology will no longer be taught in our schools. Cancel culture is out and free speech is in.

"Interest on student loans will be abolished. Net zero is out, together with all its association costs. We will guarantee a cash society - which is on its way out."

He was then asked "who do you feel is responsible for Russia's illegal unprovoked invasion of Ukraine?" This comes after he said Putin "seemed very good” at the previous hustings.

He responded in saying: "It is not in the interest of the people of this country or Salisbury or anywhere in western Europe to escalate this conflict with the Russian federation."

King Arthur Pendragon (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography)

King Arthur said: "The government behave like children, they jump up and down and scream, whether its Labour or Tory, until they get the answer they want."

He spoke about the Summer Solstice, where chants were conducted for peace in Palestine and the Middle East - as well as getting rid of the Stonehenge Tunnel.

The evening finished with a thanks to the candidates and organisers.