Hustings Bring Parliamentary Candidates and Students Face-to Face

On 21 June, we were lucky enough to get the chance to engage in an insightful and educational debate with the parliamentary candidates for the Esher and Walton constituency, with the general election merely two weeks away. Despite no appearance from the Conservative candidate, the four other representatives for Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and The Green Party were able to inform an auditorium packed with eager students on their plans for our constituency. The hustings were moderated skilfully by Carl Egginton, a 6.2 student and the former Student Union President.

Our students asked many questions on a range of pressing issues, being specifically keen on the topic of immigration. A pupil asked the candidates what their thoughts were on the influx of immigration to the UK, a central policy for all parties attending the event. Alastair Gray (Reform UK) was quick to express his concerns about immigration, stating ‘our services are overstretched’ and that refugees have ‘no right to cross the channel.’ Some students were noticeably uncomfortable with his response and other candidates were quick to rebut this statement. Robert Evans (in place of Yoel Gordon for Labour) expressed how he was ‘horrified by that response,’ and Monica Harding (Liberal Democrats) powerfully stated that ‘no parent would put their child on that boat unless they are desperate.’ This was an exciting and compelling start to the debate, and the energy continued throughout.

Further questions were raised, such as what the representatives were planning to do for their constituency. Monica Harding, who went on to win the seat with 52.6% of the vote, discussed ‘education and mental health support’ as a priority for her. Reform UK candidate mentioned a focus on day-to-day issues that affect our community such as potholes, expressing that council workers need to ‘do their jobs.’ Maciej Pawlik (Green Party) described themselves as a ‘genuine voice for progressive policy’ and wanted to make Britain a place ‘where nature is valued and protected,’ bringing the debate to a close with this powerful statement.

Students were left feeling educated and informed on the policies of Esher and Walton’s contenders for Parliament. Participation and enthusiasm were impressive and really reflected our pupils’ drive to learn and gain insight into relevant topics in our community. Encouragingly, there was a very positive turnout, from students across all departments (not just Politics). Many engaged in questions, fuelling the debate, and even stayed to discuss topics further with the candidates.

We are very thankful for this opportunity, and we send our thanks to the candidates who took time out of their busy campaign to come and speak with some potential first-time voters, and all those interested, especially so close to the election.