CANDIDATES PUT TO QUESTION

Questions about social networking websites, crime, Europe and training were among a range answered by us prospective Parliamentary candidates for South Derbyshire at a debate at Repton School on Tuesday April 20. 

Organised by the school’s Politics Society, the Question Time debate attracted a capacity audience of 180 consisting of students from The Pingle School in Swadlincote, district residents, Repton School Lower Sixth Form Politics students, staff from both schools and Upper Sixth (U6) students eligible to vote on May 6.  

The idea of the debate came entirely from the pupils, with them selecting and liaising with panellists and two of them - President of the Politics Society Calum Setterington and editor of the school magazine Sam Kingston-Jones - chairing it. 

Our six-strong panel who faced a quizzing from the audience consisted also of Ben Duckworth, Editor of Total Politics Magazine, Liberal Democrat Alexis Diouf, local government journalist Kirsty Green, Michael Edwards, candidate for the Labour Party and Nick ‘The Flying Brick’ Delves for the Monster Raving Looney Party. 

The event was open to anyone interested and the publicity for it invited people to submit questions for consideration too. The organising committee decided a few hours before the debate which would be asked and although us panellists were not informed of the questions we were advised of potential themes. 

As well as issues that could have been anticipated such as crime, unemployment and membership of the European Union, we were also asked our views on the use by politicians of communication channels such as Facebook and Twitter, whether or not the others largely urban experience prepared them to serve a rural district like South Derbyshire and what the long term effect of the de-Christianisation of the country will be and if it matters. 

The Chairmen closed the event by thanking us panellists and saying they hoped it had helped the audience to decide how they might use their ballot on May 6. 

History teacher Anna Parish, who helped the Society members to plan and organise the debate, said: “I’m really pleased with the way it has gone, there has been lively and engaging debate, Calum and Sam handled the questions really well and the audience seemed to enjoy themselves.” 

A-level Politics was introduced at Repton School this year and the Politics Society has over 30 pupils as members who debate a range of topics and invite guests to speak to them about their political background. Guests have included Jonathan Oliver, Political Editor of the Sunday Times and Ed Trelinski who spoke about life on the US Presidential campaign trail.

I really enjoyed myself and echo my thanks to Calum and Sam and all the helpers.  Yet again it really was a well organized event.

Thanks to all.