Unfortunately Edward Timpson, Conservative candidate could not attend but sent through his pledge for your vote. (Available on this page)

 

The hot topics of the conversation revolved around tuition fees, in which both candidates opposed the rise. Liberal Democrats still looking to phase out fees all together. This further lead the discussion around students ‘hidden cost’ of University and the rising debt students are facing.

 

Questions were raised around graduate jobs as well as part time jobs in the community that could support students whilst studying and after they graduate.

The Labour candidate supported a development on the other side of Crewe, which could see a surge in job opportunities. He also talked about the new development of supermarkets that could support part-time work. The Liberal democrat candidate agreed with this and extended this view by highlighting the importance of educating people from a young age to enhance the understanding behind the importance of education and the useful resources the University can bring to the community through its students. There was also a commitment to fighting for minimum wage rate from both parties, so that 16+ years would be paid the same as those 21 and above. Therefore helping students balance work and education easier.

 

Both Candidates expressed a view that a pool in Crewe is vital and they would like to see an additional one on campus as well as the town centre. They would support any campaign for this.

 

Students asked how candidates could reassure students they would be a voice for them within the community and how they would seek this information.

The Liberal Candidate expressed that through his previous experience as a Maths teacher, he has a personal passion in Education and would feel it vital the community.

The Labour candidate promised on campus surgeries, so students could direct issues and comments to him on a regular basis.

 

The issue of lack of public transport was raised, highlighting current issues on parking on the campus to emphasise the important of being able to get to University.  The Labour candidate felt that new routes needed to be put in place, with provisions much more frequent. He also discussed ideas around getting students discounted travel. The Liberal candidate discussed that the Local Authority needs to have more power in place to make positive changes, like London. He would campaign for this, so any changes needed in the future would be decided on a local level, being more beneficial.

 

Please see the video for all issues raised at the debate.

 

Find out more information on each party candidate for Crewe and Nantwich: