In the final days before the election, we asked North East Hampshire election candidates five very important questions.
We asked each one the same questions which addressed child safety, youth clubs, sports provisions, and what they would do on day one.
Residents across North East Hampshire will head to the polls to vote for one of eight candidates on Thursday, July 4.
The seat was previously held by Conservative, Ranil Jayawardena who was first elected as MP for the constituency in May 2015.
The following people are standing for election:
- Ranil Jayawardena - Conservative
- Bradley David Phillips - Labour
- Alex Brewer - Liberal Democrats
- Mohamed Miah - Green Party
- Paul Morton - Reform UK
- Howling 'Laud' Hope - Official Monster Raving Loony Party (OMRLP)
- Alex Zychowski - Libertarian Party
- Duncan Philip Stone - Hampshire Independents
READ MORE: Full list of North East Hampshire general election candidates
This is what they all had to say in response to our questions.
Alex Brewer, Liberal Democrats
1. What would you and your party do to protect children online?
Having worked with vulnerable children for nearly a decade, I fully understand the need for safety online. I am proud that the Liberal Democrat manifesto has many ways to tackle this complex issue as there is no silver bullet.
Specifically, we would set up an independent advocacy body for children’s safety online. And we would require social media companies to publish reports setting out the action they have taken to address online abuse against women and girls, and other groups who share a protected characteristic.
We cannot stop young people from exploring the world and the digital world is here to stay. But we can better protect them. To help with this, we would put a dedicated mental health professional into every school and create a new Online Crime Agency to effectively tackle illegal content and activity online.
More broadly, we would address the underfunding and neglect of children’s mental health services, youth services and youth justice services as well as incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into UK law.
2. A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
I was devastated that the children’s centres were closed because they provided so much support when people most needed it. And we know with all matters of public health and wellbeing, that prevention is so much better, cheaper and easier than cure. I would like to see something similar back in our area.
I am proud that the Liberal Democrat manifesto puts mental health on par with physical health. We would, for example, open a walk-in hub for children and young people in each area.
The 1001 Critical Days manifesto is something I have been following and interested in for a long time and I was disappointed to see it given so little attention in the last parliament. Maternity care, childcare and proper health provision will go a long way to addressing many of the challenges faced by young families. But the local community is vital. As the old adage goes, “it takes a village…”.
3. Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 – what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Sports are important to our society not just at elite levels, but in their own right. Sports improve physical and mental health, develop key skills and bring people together. To encourage the next generation of athletes, we must invest in our young people. This starts where they spend the most time - schools and colleges. Liberal Democrats would boost the provision of extracurricular activities including sport, with free entitlement for disadvantaged children.
We would expand the list of sporting fixtures which must have live free-to-air coverage to inspire the next generation of athletes.
We also need to invest in those spots in the community where children spend their time - playgrounds, parks, pools, etc. Lib Dems would increase funding for local leisure centres and swimming pools, as well as properly funding local councils so that they can protect playgrounds and parks.
We also recognise the hugely valuable contribution played in this area by a vast number of volunteer coaches, organisers, parents and carers, without whom children’s sport could not thrive.
4. Which unique feature is this area’s greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
Our local people are our greatest asset. North East Hampshire is a collection of the most wonderful communities I have been a part of. People here really care. They get stuck in with schools, clubs, charities, sports and more.
We need to support those who care in our community by protecting the organisations they volunteer for.
We also need to protect unpaid carers by increasing Carers Allowance and expanding the eligibility for it, by introducing statutory respite breaks, paid carers leave and a Young Carers Pupil Premium.
Finally, we need to make sure that care work pays. We have an older than average population here in North East Hampshire. Liberal Democrats would ensure they are well cared for by boosting the minimum wage for care workers by £2 per hour and establishing a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing.
5. If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
Representing local people in Parliament is a privilege and the people who live here would be my first priority.
I would set up an open dialogue with local charities such as Citizens Advice in order to provide the best possible support, as quickly as possible, to those who need it most.
I would meet with NHS Trust staff to urgently assess the progress of the new hospitals and press for action.
We must protect our chalk-stream rivers and I would meet with community groups to establish how best to do this
Bradley David Phillips - Labour
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
Children and young people face significant harm online, with inappropriate content too easily available at their fingertips on a smartphone. We have seen an increase in extreme misogynistic content online driving a culture of violence against women. Labour will build on the Online Safety Act, bringing forward provisions as quickly as possible, and explore further measures to keep everyone safe online, particularly when using social media. We will also give coroners more powers to access information held by technology companies after a child’s death.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
It's hugely disappointing that so many children's centres have closed under recent Conservative governments. The previous Labour administration saw the value in early years and our investment in Sure Start then saw benefits for families in terms of attainment, health and behaviour. Sadly, the economic mess and tax burden that we are faced with currently means such a program isn't currently feasible, however we could repurpose long-empty shops (negotiating low rents) as drop-in centres with table tennis etc. Fund them from sponsorship by local businesses and cafes and/or low cost sales of drinks and snacks.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Labour will get more children in North East Hampshire active by protecting time for physical education, and supporting the role grassroots clubs play in expanding access to sport.
Labour is committed to making Britain the best place in the world to be a football fan. We will reform football governance to protect football clubs across our communities and to give fans a greater say in the way they are
run.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
Basingstoke canal: fund it properly to ensure the towpath is kept free from overgrowth of vegetation, and passable on foot and bike in wet weather, i.e. not muddy. Add signposts to nearby shops, pubs and cafes. Help the Basingstoke Canal Society with seed funding for on-water events and festivals
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
If elected, I hope to be the voice of North East Hampshire working with and influencing a Labour government and making sure that the views and aspirations of residents here are represented in the transformative change that Labour plan to bring.
Alex Zychowski - Libertarian Party
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
As a teacher I am unfortunately all too aware of the abundance of threats to children online. These need to be tackled with urgency. We are facing a pandemic of new risks which simply didn’t exist when I was at school, and I am particularly concerned about the corrosive impact of social media on our young people. There are a number of ways we can approach this:
First is education. There is a wealth of great work being done in our schools to warn children of the risks they face online- children need to be aware of how to identify and avoid threats as well as being shielded from them. These kinds of educational programmes should be supported and continue, rather than forcing further burdensome legislation on internet service providers and private adult individuals. I am proud of the work we are doing but we can always do more.
Second is the vigorous enforcement of existing legislation to protect children- we have to ensure online conduct which is already illegal offline is prosecuted.
The third option is a simple one- devices specifically made for children which restrict or entirely prevent their access to social media and certain websites. This has been proposed by the current administration and while I would like to see more about how this would work in practice, I am receptive to the potential benefits.
Finally, protecting children also needs to happen at home- it is a parental responsibility. Parents have the tools open to them to restrict children's access to various websites and time spent online. The NSPCC have put together a great selection of resources as part of their “TRUST” toolkit. These tools require greater publicity- we should have our public bodies advertise them more widely.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
If independently-run children’s centres were free from VAT and Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), there would be many more of them, enabling more provision for children. As it is now, such facilities often go after the adult market as they see that as the most lucrative.
The decline in children’s centres is sadly symptomatic of a wider, nationwide decline in all organisations who have to pay extortionate business rates. Running costs have also skyrocketed as a result of lockdown-induced inflation and economic mismanagement under the Conservatives. What we should be doing during the cost of living crisis is allowing taxpayers to retain more of their own money so that they can afford to spend more on their children.
As for what particular facilities we need in North East Hampshire- that should not be my decision. Following the election I will consult with residents and community groups to discuss exactly what type of provision is most needed and where.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Give sports centres, gyms, private swimming pools and the like charitable status and tax emption. This will allow them to thrive - many of them are still recovering from the terrible impact of enforced closure during lockdown.
We don’t need council-owned facilities to provide sporting facilities. Again, If sports and leisure facilities were free from VAT and Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), there would be many more of them. The high cost of land and NDR has to be factored into the prices charged for the use of such facilities.
Many people are rightly passionate about sports, as am I, particularly with Euro 2024 on at the moment. I see the appetite for sports on a daily basis and the fantastic work which is already taking place in supporting our young people in sport. However, sports facilities for adults should be funded voluntarily- someone who is not interested in the Olympics should not be forced to fund our next medal winning figure skater when their energy bills have shot through the roof and their route home is riddled with potholes.
Which unique feature is this area’s greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
North East Hampshire is home to some of the most productive farmland in the country. We should be supporting our farmers by slashing the reams of regulation that stifle their work on a daily basis.
This is also a beautiful part of the world, which is why I moved here. We need to champion the tourist industry and take advantage of our position as a rural idyll in densely-populated South-East England.
The Libertarian Party proposes devolution as close as possible to people affected by decision making. Under our constitutional reforms the UK would become a confederation of free states with their own legislature, (much like Switzerland) with North East Hampshire falling into the Wessex region. This would bring a huge amount of legislative power back into the hands of local people, enabling us to set (or repeal) our own tax rates and regulations to set free our local economy and enable it to thrive.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
The Libertarian Party has no whip for Members of Parliament- this means that I am entirely free to vote in the interests of our constituency. To this end, on day one I will propose reforms to planning law enabling binding local referenda on all large-scale housing development applications themselves. (Under current legislation referenda are only permitted on “neighbourhood plans,” which must adhere to an overall target for houses built.) This means we can finally put monstrous plans such as those for Old Basing and Lychpit and Shapley Heath to bed for good. I will fight to protect our green spaces and the rural character of our constituency with deeds - not words.
Mohamed Miah - Green Party
The Green Party is committed to ensuring children's safety online by implementing robust regulations on social media companies and internet service providers. We will mandate these entities to enhance their content moderation practices, develop stricter age verification processes, and ensure rapid response to harmful content. Additionally, we will support educational programs in schools that teach children and parents about online safety and digital literacy.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
I believe that reopening and investing in children's youth centres is crucial. These centres provide vital support for early childhood development, parental support, and community cohesion. Teenagers have a place to go and stay off the streets. We would encourage activities and have youth workers on site. We would seek to fund these facilities through reallocating budgets within local councils, increasing local tax revenues, and securing grants from national and international bodies dedicated to children's welfare.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools, have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
To encourage future athletes, we must invest in and maintain local sports facilities. This includes refurbishing existing sports pitches and swimming pools and developing new ones where necessary. Collaboration with local businesses, sports clubs, and community groups will be essential to provide funding and sponsorship. We will also promote sports programs in schools and local clubs to nurture young talent from an early age.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
North East Hampshire's greatest unsung asset is its natural beauty and green spaces. We can leverage this by promoting eco-tourism and outdoor recreational activities, which can attract visitors and boost the local economy. Initiatives such as developing walking and cycling trails, hosting outdoor events, and supporting local businesses that provide eco-friendly services and products can significantly enhance our community's economic and environmental health.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
On day one, I will initiate a comprehensive review of local public transportation services to identify areas for improvement. Efficient and accessible public transport is essential for reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and ensuring that all residents can travel easily within the constituency. By improving public transport, we can enhance connectivity and support local businesses and community activities.
Ranil Jayawardena - Conservative
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
As a father of three young children, I know how important it is to keep our children safe online, and what a challenge this is.
I know that, despite our best intentions as parents, access to the internet and social media means we cannot always prevent them from accessing potentially harmful or inappropriate materials.
That’s why I am glad that it was the Conservative Government that recognised the potential harms of the online world in the modern age, and passed the Online Safety Bill.
For the first time, the Online Safety Act requires tech companies to bring in proactive measures, like scanning for illegal material and stopping children from accessing age-inappropriate material, keeping our families safe online. Now, Ofcom have the power to clamp down on online harms and enforce these powers against the tech giants too.
Progress is being made, but we need to go further. I’m deeply concerned about the impact of smartphones on our children’s wellbeing, and the volume of correspondence I’ve had from fellow parents about this highlights the urgent need for decisive action to address the dangers of unrestricted access to smartphones and social media among young people.
Bold action needs to be taken before it’s too late. By taking measures to address the issue of unrestricted access to smartphones and social media, we can create a healthier environment for our children, so that they can thrive.
My party have committed to setting out guidance for schools about children’s smartphone use, but I want to go further. I’ve met local parents to hear their views, and we agree that bolder action – like raising the age limit to access social media accounts to 16, or even 18. If re-elected, I’ll continue to work hard to protect our children’s wellbeing.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
There is strong evidence that the 1,001 days from conception to the age of two set the foundations for our cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
The Conservative Government published the ‘Best Start for Life: A Vision for the 1,001 Critical Days’ in March 2021. This sets out six areas for improving support for families during 1,001 critical days from conception to the age of two, to ensure every baby in England is given the best possible start in life, regardless of background.
As part of this, we have put an additional £300 million to support families in 75 local authorities in England, including those with high levels of deprivation.
All 75 local authorities have opened a family hub in their area, with around 400 family hubs now open in England, providing a one-stop-shop for a variety of universal and specialist support services for families with children aged 0-19, or up to 25 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
These have replaced the children’s centres that existed previously. Not only do family hubs make it easier for families to know where to go to get help, they make it easier for professionals to work together as a team to provide holistic support and information at the right time, in a joined-up way.
I know there is more that we can do to help working parents with young children too. That’s why we have a manifesto commitment to give working parents 30 hours of free childcare a week from when their child is nine months old to when they start school, saving eligible families an average of £6,900 per year.
Early years are crucial to giving every child the best start in life, so we should be doing all we can to support family formation and parenthood as we face up to the realities of an ageing population. That’s why I co-authored a report with the Centre for Policy Studies calling for married couples and civil partners to have fully transferable income tax allowances. I’d also like to see us go further and turn both main elements of the childcare subsidy regime into a tax credit that would take a family’s total income into account. This would particularly help working-age parents with children, at what is often the most challenging time in a family's finances.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Everyone, no matter their age, background or ability, should have the opportunity to play sport and be active. My party recognises that getting children active and engaged in sport is a key driver – not only of the future health of our nation, but to grow the next generation of sporting talent and role models.
Thanks to the Conservatives’ investment in sport, there are a range of opportunities that local clubs can take advantage of. We are investing £93 million towards new pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights across England and £60 million of support for public swimming pools. This is all part of a wider £400 million government investment in grassroots facilities for all spots, including multisport pitches and tennis courts.
We are already seeing the benefits of this investment in our area, as Hart Leisure Centre has received £201,500 through the Swimming Pool Support Fund.
As a strong, local voice for North East Hampshire, I will continue to support local clubs to bid for their share of the funding that the Conservative government made available. In particular, I encourage local football teams to find out what is available by visiting: footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
We are so lucky to live in North East Hampshire, with great people, great places, great businesses – in fact, the list of our assets is too long to mention.
Our local economy is driven forward by the enterprising and entrepreneurial nature of local people. With over 5,000 small businesses in our area, jobs are created everyday, and our public services are funded by the fruits of these labours.
Whether it’s in our coffee shops on our high street, landscape gardeners, software engineers, hospitality, manufacturers or innovators breaking the boundaries in their field.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
Having had the privilege of serving as your Member of Parliament since 2015, I know there are no quick fixes.
Serving our local communities takes hard graft and a knowledge of how to get things done. It means being around all year round, not at election time.
Anyone who promises they can make a change on their first day in office isn’t being honest with you. If I am re-elected, my contract with the people of North East Hampshire is that I will always be their strong, local voice, as I have been since I was first elected.
No matter who’s in power in Westminster, I will always stand up for our values – and I will always get things done for our home.
This is an election about the future.
I will be your voice with local police, raising your concerns.
I will be your voice with local NHS bosses, making sure GPs are focus on improving access to face-to-face appointments.
I will be your voice to the council, standing against 10,000 houses – a development five times the size of Elvetham Heath – being built just 500 metres from the edge of Fleet.
Paul Morton, Howling 'Laud' Hope and Duncan Philip Stone were all contacted by the Gazette to take part in this Q&A but did not reply.
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