Courier Questions

The Halifax Courier have, like so many others, sent a list of questions to candidates. Here are my responses.

1. Critics have said that successive governments have failed on immigration. What are your views on this issue?

Not only failed but failed miserably. I would like to see a points based immigration system as presently used in Australia to slash the volume of migration.

2. Record numbers of people are in work, yet there has been an increase in food banks and more than 700,000 people are on zero-hours contracts. What are your views on this issue?

We would restrict cheap labour from outside Britain, which is holding wages down, giving British working people the prospect of pay rises that will improve their living standards. Additionally we will scrap income tax on the minimum wage by raising the personal allowance to at least £13,000. British companies will be permitted to favour British job applicants without the risk of being sued for discrimination – At long last making a reality of the idea of "British jobs for British workers".

3. The closure of Calderdale Royal Hospital has neither been ruled-in or ruled-out by health minister Jane Ellison. What are your views on this issue?

The NHS is too precious to be used as a political football. The fact is both main Parties have failed the NHS and both have increased privatisation. I would support recommendations from health professionals tasked to provide the best possible care for all, free at the point of need and delivery.

4. The number of young people suffering from mental illness has risen sharply over the past decade. What are your views on this issue?

I would seek information and recommendations from specialist Mental Health professionals. My instinct would be to look at what has changed in young people’s lives over the last decade and make this a starting point.

5. Some businesses often complain that young people aren't equipped with the necessary skills for the workplace. What are your views on this issue?

We must educate and train our young people better and prepare them for work. Focused and individual learning plans are key to improving each young person’s skills by the time they are 18. One size does not fit all and never will.

6. It’s twice as hard for disabled people to gain employment and those unable to work have seen cuts to benefits and care provision. What are your views on this issue?

Our benefits system must be geared to be a safety net for those born here and who are in need. That is it’s purpose and it should fulfil that purpose adequately. Encouraging companies, through discounts on business rates, to take on registered disabled people should be considered.

7. What is your favourite novel and why?

Mila 18. It deals with humanity at all levels. It demonstrates how inhumanity is all too easily brought to the surface. It is the first book I read in both English and German.

Paul Rogan, UKIP PC, Calder Valley

www.UkipCalderdale.uk, Office:- 01422 370 849, Mobile- 07785 220300

Email:- paul@UkipCalderdale.uk

Promoted, published & printed by Paul Rogan on behalf of himself & Calderdale Branch UKIP, both at 363 Stainland Rd, Stainland, HX4 9HF.