Main message to voters:
In this election we have the opportunity to Change Britain's Future. The choice doesn't have to be between a Conservative Party with a right-wing agenda and a Labour Party that oozes chaos and incompetence. The Liberal Democrats would be a strong opposition to the Conservative 'hard Brexit' agenda.
Election history:
Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Uplands ward, Swansea, Welsh local council elections 2017
Priorities:
- Other Fighting against a Hard Brexit. I would campaign to remain in the single market and the customs union, and retain free movement of people.
- Other Investment in health and social care. I would seek to raise income tax by 1p in the £ to fund investment, with a consequential £300m for Wales.
- Other Sensible foreign policy. I opposed recent military interventions in the Middle East, but want strong armed forces to protect our country and allies.
Candidate positions on the election issues:
Economy
Targeting tax increases at high earners only is an ineffective way of raising revenue
The idea behind this statement is that high earners have resources allowing them to respond to changes in the tax regime to limit their liability - but there is no conclusive evidence of whether this statement is true or false.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"If we try to raise too much money from high earners, they will change their economic activity. The Institute for Fiscal Studies describes revenue from such plans as "vastly more uncertain" than the Lib Dem tax plans. "
1 of 40 questions
To encourage economic growth, the UK's corporation tax rates should be decreased
The UK's current 'main rate' of corporation tax is 19%, the lowest rate in the G20 group of countries, however some EU countries, such as Ireland, rates as low as 12.5%.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Corporation taxes have been cut in recent years, but to cut them further would be the wrong priority when money is desperately needed for investment in the NHS, social care, education, and the police. "
2 of 40 questions
To fund public services, a financial transactions tax should be levied
The term 'financial transactions tax' covers a wide array of taxes levied on financial transactions. At the moment, in the UK, there is a 0.5% tax or duty on purchasing shares. Most proposals for a financial transactions tax involve expanding this tax or duty to transactions on other asset classes.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Taxation on financial transactions themselves should not be encouraged as this would reduce economic activity and can be unfair (why should someone pay tax on a transaction that loses money?). It would also raise less revenue than expected. Taxation on income, wealth and assets is fairer. "
3 of 40 questions
The UK government should expand its ownership of strategically important companies and utilities
This policy mostly refers to the reversal of privatisation - a process that involved the transfer of responsibility and ownership of a company/utility from the public to the private sector.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"While I would support the option of a 'public bidder' for individual contracts tendered by the government (e.g. to operate rail franchises), the wholsesale nationalisation of major industries was unsuccessful in the past and there is no reason to think this would be different in future. "
4 of 40 questions
The UK should borrow substantially more money to invest in national infrastructure, even if this increases the national debt
The UK's Office for Budget Responsibility expects UK debt as a percentage of national income to peak in the current financial year at 88%.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"As any business-person knows, you have to invest in order to grow your business; and a national economy is no different. If the money is invested wisely, then in the long run you will get back much more money than you put in. However unwise or ideologically driven investments should be avoided. "
5 of 40 questions
To fund public services, there should be a small increase in income tax for all earners
Currently, UK income tax outside of Scotland is levied at 0% up to £11,500 (the 'Personal Allowance'), at 20% from £11,501 to £45,00 (Basic Rate), at 40% from £45,001 to £150,000 (Higher Rate) and at 45% over £150,000 (Additional Rate).
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I would support this for all earners above the personal tax allowance. Lib Dem plans for an extra 1p in the £ on income tax would affect the top 55% of earners. It is the most reliable way to fund public services, which are in desperate need of investment. "
6 of 40 questions
Brexit
Leaving the EU's Single Market is a worthwhile price to pay to gain control over immigration to the UK
Access to the EU's Single Market tends to be associated with the free movement of people (one of the Single Market's 'Four Freedoms'), making it difficult to envision a scenario whereby full Single Market access can co-exist with full control of immigration.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Leaving the EU's Single Market would be extremely harmful to our economy, as exporters would have to pay significant tariffs on their goods and services. Immigration is broadly beneficial to the UK (albeit with some challenges) and I would welcome continued free movement to/from the EU. "
7 of 40 questions
Once talks with the EU are complete, there should be a second referendum on whether to accept the Brexit deal or remain a member of the EU
In the UK, the principle of parliamentary sovereignty means that referendums have a 'non binding' quality. The absence of a formal constitution in the UK means that deciding to have a second or subsequent referendum is a political decision for parliament to make.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Somebody has to make the decision on whether to accept the final Brexit deal or not, and my view is that this should be the British people, rather than a small number of a government ministers. "
8 of 40 questions
The UK should remain a member of the EU
This is a close approximation of the wording of the 2016 'Brexit' referendum, which received 48% of the vote on a turnout of 72%, compared to 52% voting in favour of the 'leave' option.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"While I strongly supported remaining in the EU, there has been a referendum and we should respect the outcome. I would advocate remaining in the EU if the deal that the government negotiate with the EU does not address concerns about protecting the British economy. "
9 of 40 questions
Even if there is no transitional UK-EU trade deal in place, the UK should leave the EU in 2019
Having notified the EU of its intention to withdraw under Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) in March 2017, UK withdrawal will take place either when there is an agreement in place or after two years - unless there is unanimous agreement in the EU to extent the negotiating period.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The "cliff edge" option where we leave the EU without any transitional arrangement or replacement deal, would be a disaster for the UK and especially for Wales. It should be avoided at all costs. "
10 of 40 questions
Health
There should be no role for private sector operators within the NHS
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Health in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I'm highly sceptical of how private sector operators provide services within the NHS, but wouldn't want to have a blanket ban. I would take an evidence based approach, supporting whatever arrangement provides the best outcomes for patients. "
11 of 40 questions
New taxes raised to support the NHS should be earmarked solely for NHS spending
This would be an example of what is known as 'hypothecated tax' which the Financial Times defines as: 'A tax where the money obtained, or part of the money obtained, is used for a particular purpose, rather than spent on a number of things.'
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"It is helpful to understand why taxes are being raised and where the money is going. I support a small increase in taxation (1p in the £) to fund the NHS and social care. "
12 of 40 questions
Social care costs above a threshold of £100,000 should be met by individuals' estates, including the value of their family home
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Social Care in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"It is unfair that people should be hit too hard in the pocket if they are unfortunate enough to need long-term care, especially as no insurance can be taken out against this risk. I agree with the Dilnot commission proposal for a cap on the costs that any individual would pay. "
13 of 40 questions
Workers' Rights and Pensions
The UK's minimum wage should be raised to £10 per hour by 2020
Since April 2017, the UK's National Minimum Wage rates are as follows: £7.50 (25 and over); £7.05 (21-24); £5.60 (18-20); £4.05 (under 18); £3.50 (Apprentice)
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"While we all want to see an increase in wages, we have to consider what impact this would have on the number of jobs available. That's why I support an independent commission to set the level of the minimum wage. It shouldn't be down to politicians plucking numbers out of the air. "
14 of 40 questions
Zero hours contracts facilitate flexible working and should not be banned
Zero hours contracts mean that employers are not obliged to provide any minimum working hours to a worker , who is not obliged to do the work when asked. Such contracts legally cannot prevent a worker for looking for or accepting other work.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I agree within limits. There is substantial abuse of zero hours contracts, but they provide a good option for some people. I've worked zero hours contracts myself and it has suited me. However, people working full time hours should have the right to a fixed contract. "
15 of 40 questions
The UK government should maintain the ‘triple lock’ of increasing the state pension each year
The 'triple lock' promises to increase the state pension annually by whichever of earnings growth, prices growth or 2.5% is the highest
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The state pension is not excessively high and the triple lock protects and sometimes increases its value. This was a key achievement of the Liberal Democrats in government and we would continue to support it. "
16 of 40 questions
Education
University tuition fees should be abolished
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Education in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"To abolish tuition fees would be prohibitively expensive - the money can be better spent on the NHS, social care, primary and secondary education, and other priority areas. I support the implementation of the Diamond review proposals in Wales. "
17 of 40 questions
The government should dedicate resources to opening new selective 'grammar' schools
This is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Education in Wales, but it is a key issue dividing parties in this election.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Research suggests that areas with comprehensive school systems provide better education outcomes than areas with grammar school systems. Grammar schools are divisive and tend to benefit middle class pupils, whose parents can buy them private tuition ahead of the 11+."
18 of 40 questions
Social security and Housing
The 'bedroom tax' should be scrapped
The 'bedroom tax' (also known as the 'under-occupancy penalty' or 'spare room subsidy') is a cut in housing benefit if you live in a council or housing association home and are classed as having a spare bedroom.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"It isn't technically a 'tax', but it has caused distress to a lot of families, for very little gain. "
19 of 40 questions
The UK government should invest substantially in expanding the number of council houses built in the term of the next parliament
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling housing in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Expensive and inaccessible housing is one of the main causes of inequality in this country and investing in new council housing is an important way to address this. "
20 of 40 questions
The government should introduce legislation that caps landlords' ability to raise rents
While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling housing in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I would support this as part of a wider reform of tenancy agreements. "
21 of 40 questions
Unemployed people who fail to seek a job or accept training should have their benefits sanctioned
Sanctions for failing to seek work or accept training are a key feature of the way that Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is currently administered.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"While I understand the rationale behind the current system, it is too bureaucratic and causes extreme hardship to people who are 'sanctioned'. The number of genuine 'scroungers' is small and a different approach should be taken to address this. "
22 of 40 questions
The Political System
The voting age should be reduced to 16 in UK elections and referendums
The minimum voting age is currently set at 18 years old.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We know that once people have voted once, they are likely to vote in most future elections. If we can get young people voting while we can still reach them easily through parents and schools, this will get them into the habit, which will boost turnout and be good for our democracy. "
23 of 40 questions
A system of proportional representation should be adopted for UK general elections
Proportional representation' refers to methods of casting and counting votes that are designed to facilitate a closer correspondence between the proportion of votes and seats won by parties than the current 'first past the post' system.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I would support the multi-member single transferable vote system that they have in Ireland (both sides of the border). This allows people to vote both for a party and particular individuals, leading to fair representation and no 'jobs for life' for MPs in safe seats. "
24 of 40 questions
Wales should aim to become an independent country
Wales is not currently an indpendent country, but its devolved parliament controls many key aspects of Welsh life, including healthcare and education.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I support decision making at the most local possible level, and support further devolution through full implementation of the Silk proposals. However, some issues are better addressed as part of a wider polity, which is why I am a strong supporter of both the UK and the EU. "
25 of 40 questions
Substantially more powers should be given to the National Assembly for Wales
The Wales Act 2017 recently passed into law, and it set out some new powers for the Assembly as well as moving from a 'conferred' to a 'reserved' powers model.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I support decision making at the most local possible level, and support further devolution through full implementation of the Silk proposals."
26 of 40 questions
The House of Lords should be reformed so that all of its members are democratically elected
Unlike the elected House of Commons, members of the House of Lords are not directly elected.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I believe that the House of Lords should be part-elected, but also should remain part-appointed. However, the appointments should be in a very different way that they are made now, perhaps with bodies such as trades unions and professional institutes being able to appoint some representatives. "
27 of 40 questions
Wales is currently unfairly underfunded by the UK government
Adjustments to the Welsh budget are determined through the 'Barnett Formula'.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Wales is funded an a greater amount per head than England, albeit with less per head than Scotland. However, we should seek to grow our economy and stand on our own two feet, rather than relying on handouts from the rest of the UK. "
28 of 40 questions
Environment
The government should do more to tackle climate change, even if this increases costs for industry
The term 'climate change' in this question refers to the scientific finding that human activity is resulting in changes to the global climate.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Climate change is the most significant threat facing our planet. However, this can also grow our industry, for example if the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project goes ahead. "
29 of 40 questions
Regulated 'fracking' of shale gas and oil should be allowed by the UK government
The term 'fracking' in this question refers to the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into subterranean rocks, boreholes, etc. so as to force open existing fissures and extract oil or gas.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Fracking has many problems and in any case, we should not be promoting the further exploitation of fossil fuels. The future lies in renewable energy, which is why I support the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon getting the immediate go ahead. "
30 of 40 questions
Foreign Policy and Defence
The UK should maintain the 'special relationship' with the USA in international affairs
The Special Relationship is the unofficial term for the exceptionally close political, diplomatic, cultural, economic, military and historical relations between the United Kingdom and the United States.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I think that the 'special relationship' is largely a mirage. The USA has declared "special relationships" with numerous countries other than the UK. We should continue to work closely with the USA as a key ally but should question to notion that this is a "special" arrangement. "
31 of 40 questions
Renewal of the UK's Trident nuclear weapons system should be cancelled
Last year the House of Commons voted by a large majority to renew the Trident system.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Our independent nuclear deterrent is a vital insurance in an unstable and uncertain world. I would therefore support renewing trident. "
32 of 40 questions
The UK should continue to spend 0.7% of its national income on overseas aid
This has been the level of UK spending on foreign aid every year since 2013.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"This is both an important mark of our humanity and civilisation, and an important part of projecting British 'soft power' around the world. It also helps to develop new markets for our exporters. I strongly support retaining this commitment. "
33 of 40 questions
Social Issues and Crime
The UK should dramatically expand its number of police officers, even if this means cuts in other public services or tax increases
The Home Office reports that there were 124,066 officers in the year ending March 2016 compared with 143,769 seven years previous to that - a fall of 14%
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We should not compromise on the safety and security of our citizens, and this is one reason why the Liberal Democrats would not go ahead with the Conservatives planned cut to corporation tax, as we think spending on public services, including the police, is more important. "
34 of 40 questions
For those convicted of a crime, there should be more of an emphasis on rehabilitation than on punishment
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"If we can reduce re-offending rates, we will have less crime and a better society. The most important thing is what works, and I support an evidence-based approach. "
35 of 40 questions
Burkas and other face-covering garments should be banned from being worn in public
There is currently no ban on Islamic dress in the UK.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I don't believe that it is the place of government to tell anyone what they should wear. "
36 of 40 questions
The recreational use of cannabis should be legalised
It is currently illegal to possess cannabis in any form in the UK.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"A regulated market in cannabis would cut out the criminal gangs and enable use of the drug to be properly controlled. "
37 of 40 questions
Immigration
Immigration contributes significantly to the UK's prosperity
The latest ONS report estmiates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Numerous research studies over the years have shown that immigration contributes hugely to the UK economy. It also enriches our society. Immigration is both a cause and a symptom of a strong, prosperous country. "
38 of 40 questions
Net immigration to the UK should be reduced to below 100,000 per year
The latest ONS report estimates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Setting artificial immigration targets would be damaging to our economy if implemented. "
39 of 40 questions
Too much immigration has undermined British culture and identity
The latest ONS report estmiates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"While there are some issues with a concentration of immigrants in some areas, and a lack of integration among some communities, British culture has been wonderfully enriched by immigration over many centuries and is part of our identity. "
40 of 40 questions