MPs go head to head at The Subscription Rooms debate (From Stroud News and Journal)

MPs go head to head at The Subscription Rooms debate

POLITICAL swords clashed with a good-natured clang at Stroud's Subscription Rooms this week as the district's candidates squared up for a chamber of trade debate.

Messrs David Drew MP (Labour), Neil Carmichael (Con), Dr Peter Hirst (Lib Dem) and Martin Whiteside (Green) locked horns for Any Questions on Thursday hosted by chamber chairman Nigel Messenger and chaired by SNJ reporter David Gibbs.

In a wide-ranging debate issues more general than district-specific were discussed, including business rates, Europe, Black Wednesday, the environment, and how an increasingly risk-averse society is adversely affecting educational opportunities for children such as school trips.

The evening closed with drinks and a buffet as candidates exchanged friendly chit-chat with chamber members.

Mr Messenger believes when the next election campaign rolls around there may be a case for opening the debate to the public to encourage greater participation, given the less than booming turnout.