Dear Sir,
We hear this a lot. Whilst politics in a broken world can be deeply discouraging at times, I believe that voting matters and urge you all to use your vote.
All citizens ought to be aware of their right and duty to promote the common good by casting their vote. But in order to arrive at the polling station as well informed as possible on things that matter to you, this is not always possible, due to the fact that have you no contact details on most of the candidates, unless you are an activist or have received correspondence from the candidate.
The issues that the new Government will take on are immense, with some issues inherited, but what about the candidates hoping to become the next MP for our area, where do they stand?
I have always been involved in volunteering and campaigning, for many years, on issues such as poverty, food and climate change with organisations like the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) and CAFOD. I support both organisations.
The key issues facing this election are the Cost-of-Living Crisis, with almost two million people using food banks, what plans do you have, as a candidate, to tackle the cost-of-living crises in our area.
Migration and Asylum is another area of concern, every year people tragically die as they attempt to cross borders to reach safety, will you champion the right to safe and legal routes for people needing to flee their homes, rather than leaving vulnerable people prey to people smugglers? We need to ensure the country is a welcoming one to refugees and migrants, including ending unjust deportation of people.
Ten percent of the world’s population regularly go to bed hungry. We urgently need the way we grow, distribute and consume food, when there is enough food. The problem is both distribution and waste.
Climate, I know that we need to transition away from fossil fuels if we are to have any chance of halting the climate crisis. Some of the poorest communities are facing the greatest burden of the climate crisis.
Debt Cancellation, given that over 50 of the world’s poorest nations are currently struggling to manage this debt, the idea that the UK should champion debt cancellation for those low-income countries who need it, so that they can properly fund essential services.
Business and Human Rights, some of the British businesses are some of the most powerful in the world, often with supply chains that span may countries. Many of the things we consume in the UK are produced via supply chains. Throughout these supply global chains, it is often the case that workers are exploited and / or the environment damages
Aid and International Development, the UK has slashed its aid budget, turning its back on global poverty, we need MPs to restore the aid budget to 0.7% of national income, as agreed in the International Development Act and show that we are a country committed to making the world a better place for all.
Building Resilient Communities and tackle Regional Inequalities, will the people expecting to become the next MP work more closely with local groups and communities, including faith groups, to identify the best policies to support left behind areas?
Vince Crosby