Main Issues

Europe

The British people should have the opportunity of a referendum on continued membership of the EU.

Energy

- The increasing demand of our increasing population can only be satisfied by nuclear power.

- With regard to coal-fired power stations it is likely that a comprehensive cost analysis which includes the social and which evaluates imported to domestic fuel sources the case for greater use of British coal would be made.

- We must reduce our dependency on overseas energy sources.

- All utilities (water, sewage, electricity, gas) are strategic industries which should be returned to national ownership.

Trident

We must retain our nuclear deterrent, hopefully never to use, but to also provide a bargaining chip for disarmament. To lose Trident would be to lose influence at the UN.

Transport

High speed rail will be needed to meet future demand and some closed branch lines could be reopened.

Tax

£10k should be the tax threshold and the tax credit system should be abolished which would save the cost of administering the scheme.

Local Issues

- I do not support the Morecambe Bay and Duddon bridges. The benefits would not compensate for the congestion, noise, pollution, litter, dirt and crime which the bridge would bring into Furness.

- I do not support the Furness Academy since I do not believe commerce should be involved in education. Whilst there may be benefits of scale, small schools have their advantages also. For a child to have to travel from Ormsgill to Walney to be educated is unacceptable.

- I support the return of Furness to Lancashire.