RHS Mock Election 2024 #1 – Lauren S
Lunchtime on Monday the 17th of June saw the A Level Politics students take to the floor in an exciting debate, each representing a different party, and each displaying a high level of enthusiasm and understanding of what their parties stood for.
Ms Nicholls opened the event by explaining the format, informing us that the representatives would only have between 30 seconds and a minute to answer the questions posed to them, and had the option to abstain should they wish. She followed this by underscoring the point that the students did not necessarily hold the same views as the party they were representing: this was an exercise used to aid their understanding of the upcoming election. Please bear that in mind as you read on.
The candidates were arranged in alphabetical order and the party representatives for each are as follows:
Conservatives: Tilly J
Green Party: Liz C
Labour: Sean E
Liberal Democrats: Bella L
Reform UK: Tom G
After a brief introduction, the candidates were each asked to give the highlights of their manifestos, before the rest of the questions began. This task was particularly difficult for Tom G, as his party did not release the manifesto before the debate, but he was able to speak with eloquence still, despite this.
The candidates for the Conservative Party and the Labour Party were first asked why their leaders would be best for the country:
Both candidates spoke with passion about their chosen party, with Tilly J citing Rishi Sunak’s strong background in finance, as well as his furlough scheme during Covid. Sean E attacked the Conservatives, claiming that Labour won the first debate. He also appealed to young voters and the future, as well as stating Labour were for the many, not the few. Tom G was also asked to speak from the perspective of Reform, and he claimed that the ‘Tories were weaker’, and a stronger opposition was needed. He then stated that Reform was this opposition.
The Parties were next asked about how they would go about solving the current issues in Education:
Starting off with Reform UK, Tom G stated that teachers are ‘drowning in bureaucracy’, and stated Reform were going about increasing the number of teachers in schools in order to solve the problem, but emphasised that, unlike Labour, they had no current plans to VAT Private Schools. He also stated that the Party were looking at pushing more political ideals into the curriculum.
Then Bella L for the LibDems answered next, with an attack on the Conservative Party and stating that her Party are looking at a properly funded system, whereby teacher’s pay is increased. The Party also want to reform the teacher’s review body. Bella L also made clear how undervalued teacher’s jobs are, that they are incredibly important jobs and do not currently receive the respect they deserve. This earned a round of applause.
Sean E then stated Labour’s plans to employ 6,500 new teachers in key subjects, 3,000 new primary school teachers and bring a focus on digital literacy and critical thinking to classrooms. He also put forward the Party’s plans to make available free breakfasts, increase school funding and make higher education more accessible and affordable.
Liz C spoke next for the Green Party, discussing the proposed £8 billion of funding, with a focus on increasing sixth form education, and making it more accessible to a public that feel that this is lacking. On top of this, another proposed £5 billion of funding to go towards special needs education was also discussed, as well as free school meals.
Finally, we heard from Tilly J for the Conservatives, who attacked Labour’s plans to add VAT onto private schools, stating it would put more pressure on the state sector. She highlighted that teachers would also be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare under a Tory government.
The Labour Party were then specifically asked about their addition of VAT on Private Schools:
Sean E spoke with enthusiasm about how the estimated £1.6 billion raised from the VAT would be used on improving the state system. He also addressed fears that a large proportion of private school students would no longer be able to afford private education, therefore flooding into state schools and putting even more strain onto them. Using past figures, he cited that in 2010, private school fees increased by 50% in real terms and yet they saw no reduction. He also stated that there was a 90% gap between state school and private school funding.
*due to time constraints, all responses after this were limited to 30 seconds*
The Candidates were asked about how they would fix the NHS crisis:
Starting off with Tilly J for the Conservatives, she cited the Party’s plans to increase spending above inflation, as well as hiring 20,000 more doctors. She also discussed plans to provide more menopause support, contraception and 2.5 million procedures.
Liz C spoke eloquently for the Green Party, suggesting a focus on the cause of the problems whilst simultaneously tackling waiting lists. She made reference to problems with drugs and drug lords, and spoke about the Party’s suggested modifications to current rehabilitation schemes for drug addicts. She also cited plans to put in place mental health nurses in schools, to ease some of the pressure, as this is arguably one of the biggest problems at the moment.
Sean E discussed Labour’s plans for the re-introduction of the family doctor to help tackle waiting times, and also their claims to deliver free personal care to the elderly and those with special needs. He also discussed the focus on dental care.
Bella L discussed the LibDem’s plans to allow everyone to see a GP within 7 days of making an appointment, or 24 if urgent. The Party also plan to bring dentistry back into the NHS and aim to begin treatment within 62 days after referral for cancer patients.
Tom G emphasised that the NHS must remain free, and pointed out the Party’s wishes for people to make use of independent healthcare if they are able to do so.
Well done to all those who took part: everybody spoke with a clear understanding, but also a level of passion for what their Party was aiming to do, making for an engaging mock debate.
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