On Tuesday night I attended what turned out to be one of the most lively debates I’ve been involved in since starting the campaign.

At Queens’ School in Bushey, the Institute of Ideas invited me to be on the panel for their Question Time-style debate prior to the Debating Matters competition for local students. (See Watford Observer article)

Questions covered a variety of topics including the impending BA strike, conflict in the Middle East, civil liberties and climate change. As you might imagine, with a wide range of opinons in the room from all parts of the political spectrum, passions were very high. Some people made very sensible points while others came out with completely wild claims. But this is what free speech is about.

This sort of event is vital for the health of our democracy. It not only allows people to get their voices heard by the rest of the community, but it also makes sure that they are listened to by people in positions of power. When politicians do not keep in touch with real people,  our democracy becomes less effective and people become disillusioned.

That is why I am taking as many opportunities as I can to hold public meetings and give people the chance to question me and also allow me to find out more about local concerns and issues.

If I am elected as MP, I will continue to hold these sorts of meetings because I want to be as accessible as possible to local residents. They can rest assured that they will have an MP who will listen and answer question, if I am elected.