ELECTION 2010

Parliamentary Candidates views.....addressing relevant issues for Christians

NetworkPeterborough asked the same five questions of the Candidates for two constituencies covering the Peterborough area, that is the Peterborough constituency and the Cambridgeshire North West constituency (which includes Fletton, The Ortons, Stanground and Hampton):

(1) In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?

(2) Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (e.g. crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation?  

(3) How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain?

(4) Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views?

(5) Do you have a personal faith position?

The Criteria for inviting party Candidates to respond to the questions is that their Party polled over 1,000 votes in the constituency in the 2005 General Election, so in both constituencies the parties were Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and UKIP.  

The replies below to the questions are the views of the Candidates.  Whilst NetworkPeterborough is responsible for asking the questions it takes no responsibility for the views expressed by the Candidates, as its role is merely to report the replies given by Candidates.

·        Peterborough Constituency (All of Peterborough north of the River Nene, including Werrington) 

RESPONSE: STEWART JACKSON - CONSERVATIVE, PETERBOROUGH

(1) In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?

(2) Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (eg crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation?  

(3) How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain?

(4) Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views?

(5) Do you have a personal faith position?

In response to these questions Mr Jackson answered:

As a practicing Christian, who worships at All Saints Church in Park Road, I have taken a consistent and unashamed pro-Christian stance in Parliament since 2005, as my voting record shows.

For instance, I voted against the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 and for pro-life amendments in respect of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill and to reduce the time limit for abortion to 16 weeks, in May 2008.

I do agree that there is a pervasive anti Christian culture in our society which has flourished under this Labour Government and I will endeavour to tackle this issue as a matter of priority if re-elected to Parliament.

I believe that the Christian Church has a hugely important role to play in society – not least in assisting government to tackle long standing and intractable social problems such as poor education and skills, drug dependency and family breakdown. Conservatives believe strongly too in the right of parents to give their children a faith-based education and we also believe in the vital importance of the institution of marriage which is why will legislate in government to remove the couple penalty in the tax credit system. 

RESPONSE: ED MURPHY - LABOUR, PETERBOROUGH

 (1) In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?

Message of tolerance, justice, forgiveness and standing up for the disadvantaged are extremely important for today’s world.

(2) Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (e.g. crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation? 

There must be a balance between tolerance for faiths and the customs practiced by these such as dress and cultural awareness. On balance this is generally reasonably implement in the UK for example some serving police officers may be exempt from wearing police helmets and people can wear religious symbols as jewellery, scarves etc. The local hospital has prayer facilities and the prisons cater for pastoral needs. The state supports church and faith education.

(3) How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain? 

I think that for many marriage is a religious matter, a sacrament and this should be respected. I do agree with the action being taken to tackle forced marriage. I encourage a view that people have responsibilities. For example for children whether you are the parent, grandparent a neighbour or a relative – we all have responsibility. I believe that the modern approach to adoption is better than in the past when they were seen in law as a processions so we have replaced custody and access with contact where there is family breakdown or dispute. So today more and more fostering placement and support is used when appropriate as opposed to seeking freeing orders from the family court and placing children for adoption. However I do advocate adoption in the right circumstances.  I do have some reservations about inter-country adoption. 

(4) Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views?

Yes faith communities and those individuals with faith belief have so much to offer and do provide a great lead in areas such as global warming the environment, justice, fair trade, international development and in the non government sector.

(5) Do you have a personal faith position?

Faith has inspired many of my moral values I was brought up as a Catholic and found liberation theology very inspirational

 RESPONSE: NICK SANDFORD – LIBERAL DEMOCRAT, PETERBOROUGH

(1) In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?

 I believe that the Christian faith is highly relevant to Britain today just as it has always been, given that many of our laws and traditions are based on Christian values and principles.  The Liberal Democrats in this election are promoting fairness as a theme throughout all our policies. We recognise that Christians vote for a number of different parties but I think we can claim that our policies are at least consistent with Christian values.  In particular, I would mention our proposals to rebalance the tax system in favour of those on lower incomes, our strong commitment to protection of human rights and our commitment to boosting overseas aid up to 0.7% of gross national income.

(2) Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (eg crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation?

Freedom is a fundamental Liberal Democrat value and this should include freedom of people to worship as they please, to display symbols and wear clothing related to their religion and not to suffer any form of discrimination because of religious beliefs.  We also believe that parents should have a right to send children to faith schools within the public sector, so long as these schools have open admission and recruitment policies. 

(3) How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain?  

Marriage is important as is the structure provided to the lives of children by a stable family.  However, we must recognise that modern families come in many forms and people should be free to choose what arrangements they feel are best for them. 

(4) Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views? 

(5) Do you have a personal faith position? 

Nick Sandford’s composite answer to questions 4 and 5 is:  

I am a Christian myself, worshipping regularly at the Church of the Holy Spirit, C of E, church in Bretton.  I am chairman of the Social and Fundraising Committee there and of the Parochial Church Council.

I think the most important message is that of Jesus that we should love our neighbours, in the widest sense of the word.  For that reason, I believe politicians should recognise that we rarely have all the answers,  that we need to work with others and listen even to those whose views we find challenging and to seek to understand those from other religions, cultures and creeds ....this being the best way of ensuring a harmonious society.

RESPONSE: MRS FRANCES FOX – UKIP, PETERBOROUGH

(1)  In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?

Christianity will always be relevant not just to the 21st century but centuries to come. 
 
(2)   Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (eg crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation?

Work places should not discriminate against Christians and allow other Religions to do what they like and the next Government should ensure that this is not allowed to happened as in the past.
 
(3)   How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain?

Marriage is very important but when a couple break up they should ensure any children they have are made to understand that the love of the couple will never end towards them and make certain contact is kept except of course should there had been sexual or violence towards the children then the innocent parent should have full custody.  It is a very difficult subject to answer completely because every situation is different.
 
(4)   Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views?

I do believe that people who come to live in this country can keep their religion provided it is not expected to be above that of the country they chose to live in from their original country. 
 
(5)   Do you have a personal faith position?

The best part of the bible to me is that of the story of the Good Samaritan

·         Cambridgeshire North West Constituency (which includes Fletton, The Ortons, Stanground , Hampton and villages to the North and West of Peterborough)

RESPONSE: SHAILESH VARA - CONSERVATIVE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE NORTH WEST  

(1) In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?  

Christianity is the mainstream religion of Britain and is as relevant today in all facets of the life of the country as it has ever been.

(2) Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (eg crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation?

I am very concerned that minority religions have been treated with more consideration that Christianity. On several occasions, I have spoken to BBC people at senior level and reminded them that Christianity is the mainstream religion of this country, but it does not appear to be proportionally represented on either television or radio.  

In Parliament, I have criticised those people who have sought to rename important Christian festivals such as Christmas because of political correctness. I pointed out that if there was an attempt to rename the religious festivals of other faiths, there would be an uproar, yet their does not seem to be anywhere near the same reaction when it comes to Christianity. I believe this is completely wrong.

I also deplore the ban on the wearing of a cross by a British Airways employee. This also is completely wrong.

(3) How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain?  

Marriage is certainly extremely important in shaping our society, and providing a stable and supportive base for children starting out on life. The Conservative Party has stated its belief in the place of marriage in helping to cure many of the ills of present-day Britain, and this belief is underlined by the proposed tax allowance. It is a small but important marker to show how the Party will proceed if it receives a working majority on 6^th May. 

(4) Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views?

I believe that in a free country, Christians (as well as people of other faiths) can, and should, hold strong views, shaped by their beliefs, on all matters. It is when peoples’ faith is not reflected in their views that the fabric of a nation is weakened.  

(5) Do you have a personal faith position?

 I am a Hindu.  

RESPONSE: ROBERT BROWN – UKIP, CAMBRIDGESHIRE NORTH WEST  

(1) In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?

It is highly relevant in the 21st Century as it was in the First Century. Christianity is our only hope of saving our nation as a whole from being taken into captivity. 

(2) Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (eg crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation?

Yes ! Indeed I do. The next elected government needs to turn back to God and Christian beliefs and bring this nation closer to God's teachings found in Scripture. Otherwise it will fall into captivity and it's people will suffer greatly.

(3) How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain?  

It is vitally important for a stable Britain. One man & one woman joined together for life, raising children in the best way possible.

(4) Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views?

I would love to ... but time doesn't allow me too. However, as a nation we need to trust in God and do good unto all men, especially them of the household of faith. Subjects such as abortion, drugs, prostitution need to be made outlawed. Punishments should fit the crime, and the time be served behind bars doing hard labour. And on and on I could go ...

(5) Do you have a personal faith position?

Yes ! I believe that the Bible is God's inspired Word. As a Christian, I am to serve my Lord and one day I will need to give an answer to him in all that I have said and done when my final day of Judgement arrives. As usual I will be in Peterborough worshipping with my fellow brethren giving thanks to Him for all that He has done for me this week.

RESPONSE: CHRIS YORK - LABOUR, CAMBRIDGESHIRE NORTH WEST

(1)  In what way do you believe the Christian faith is relevant to 21^st Century Britain?

The Christian Faith supplies a moral compass as guidance for all citizens and I try to follow the dictum “love they neighbour as you should love thyself”.

(2) Christians can feel discriminated against when there are conflicts between current Human Rights legislation on diversity, sexuality etc and individual and collective expressions of Christian conscience and practice (eg crosses at work, prayer with patients, gay couples and adoption agencies, and bed and breakfast accommodation). Do you believe that this feeling of discrimination needs to be addressed in the next Parliament by adjustment to the current legislation?

I believe that there has been a great deal of “hype”, in some parts of the media, about this so called discrimination against “Christians”.  The sensational press have chosen to play up the case of the BA employee who has chosen to take BA to court.  When, according to the Radio 4 programme “Unreliable Evidence”, BA has already changed it policy to allow her and other employees to wear a cross!  With regard to the Nurse who wished to wear a cross on a chain, this was a personal choice and not something required by her Christian faith.  It ran counter to the hospital health and safety policy which banned such forms of adornment.  There is no requirement [as part of the Christian faith] for her to wear a visible crucifix; however nothing prevents her wearing a broach style crucifix inside her uniform.  The Sikh religion requires its members to carry five things, including a ceremonial dagger.  However many make do by carrying either a small plastic or wooden dagger.

Lastly I do not believe we can really have any exceptions for discrimination.  As my Agent, never ceases to point out, although he was born in the UK; his father was born in Ireland and when he grew up in the 50s and 60s he encountered signs saying “No coloureds, No Irish, no animals”.  These he found grossly offensive, as they implied his father was a second class citizen!  It is clearly therefore very difficult to make any exceptions and I do not believe we should try to do so.

(3) How important is the status of marriage for 21^st Century Britain? 

Marriage is a reliable institution for raising children in a secure environment. However marriage does not make a relationship “perfect” and neither does cohabitation mean that the partnership is less satisfactory!  What is important is that children are brought up in a loving and stable relationship with two caring parents.

 (4) Do you want to say anything on subjects not mentioned above where Christians can hold strong views?  

I would like to see more community groups engaging with faith communities, I think we need to work smarter to engage a wider audience of young people which would help to overcome the lack of morals and principles which in some cases are sadly lacking   

(5) Do you have a personal faith position?   

As a Christian, I was brought up in the church and attended Sunday school, prayers are an important part of my family life, and whilst I am physically able to help others then I shall continue to do so

NO RESPONSE: KEVIN WILKINS – LIBERAL DEMOCRAT, CAMBRIDGESHIRE NORTH WEST