Jon Neal PPC meets Haltemprice & Howden voters at Cottingham Hustings (Haltemprice and Howden)

Jon Neal PPC meets Haltemprice & Howden voters at Cottingham Hustings

May 3, 2010 10:00 AM

Jon makes his opening Hustings Speech

"Hopes for a better future after the 1997 election when Labour came to power, have been completely dashed," said Jon Neal in his opening speech at the Cottingham Hustings. "The gap between the rich and poor has become much bigger and the biggest boom for the last 60 years has been followed by the biggest bust."

Jon then went on to say how this was his third challenge for the seat, which he came very close to winning in 2001. "The Lib Dems have gone up in the polls and are challenging the two old parties who are now spreading scare stories about the possibility of a balanced parliament. Don't believe them. Germany has a coalition government and is the most successful economy in Europe," said Jon.

"We are determined to make Britain a fairer country. We want to see fair taxes, with no taxes on the first £10,000 of anyones income. We want to see tax loop holes for the very rich closed. We want a fair start for all our children with one to one tuition for those who fall behind. We want to see a more balanced economy with a new approach to banking and no more risk taking with the nation's savings. And we want to radically overhaul our politics with fair votes, the abolition of an unelected House of Lords and sacking of MPs who abuse their position," said Jon.

Jon answers a question from the floor

Although every candidate was invited to the hustings, the BNP and the Conservatives were not represented. After the opening speeches by the other candidates from Labour, the Green Party and the English Democrats, they answered questions on their policies from a packed hall. These question ranged from immigration to one on the 'elephant in the room' the national deficit. Jon gave the most detailed answer saying the Lib Dems were being the most realistic and honest in declaring there could not be any ring fencing of any department.

The Hustings were excellently chaired by Richard Frith, Bishop of Hull and organised by Father Oliver Coss, Curate of St Mary's Cottingham.He was warmly thanked for arranging such a successful Hustings on behalf of Cottingham's Churches. Held at the Methodist Church Hall in Hallgate, it was also distinguished by being the only one in the constituency.