We can discover their party policies straightforwardly enough, and their local interests. But what about some of the issues of particular interest to Christians that otherwise might not reach the light of day?
As a constituent myself, and as a pastor of a nearly North Norwich church, I set out in this and subsequent articles to discover where the main candidates stand on some of these things: faith and politics, family life, social cohesion, right to life, poverty, peace and the environment. I have set the same question for each candidate and sought to edit and arrange them in as fair and representative way as possible; the goal is to enlighten, not to promote!
Both candidates see faith groups as having something positive to contribute, but not exclusive to any particular religion. “Most major religions, and certainly all of the monotheistic religions, embody powerful ethical teaching which have a great deal to contribute to a society sadly increasingly motivated by greed, and where social ties and norms are sadly disintegrating,” responds Craig Murray. “Faith groups have an important role to play in encouraging their members to be active themselves in civic life, and in providing a good social example. At the other end of the spectrum, pronouncements by faith leaders on matters of national policy are a good thing. However I would not favour close links between faith groups and political parties.” He does not, however, give us any insight into his own faith.
In a similar vein, April Pond (pictured above) states: “politics should exist to make society a fairer place for all, particularly to help those without the means to help themselves. This is a message that is central to most religions. I am proud to have learnt from my parents the values of compassion, charity and the importance of contributing to make society a better place for us all. These lessons I have carried with me into my political life.
“These values are not exclusive to religion. I believe we should look at how people treat others and how they contribute to their community. Faith is a guide to a lot of people in how to make positive decisions in their lives, but equally many people can do so as a result of their own sense of morality.”
Family life
Many of the social problems affecting the young people of North Norwich have their roots in the breakdown of families. How can we strengthen marriage and family life in our area?
“The breakdown of families can be a traumatic experience for those involved and can make life difficult, particularly for children,” acknowledges April Pond – but families staying together is not always the answer. “If the parents relationship has broken down it can often make for an unhappy household if they feel compelled to stay together.”
She does not believe it is the role of government to solve the complexities of private lives: “What we must do is support people, whichever situation they find themselves in. Of course families should be given every assistance to ensure that they are free to raise their children in a happy and loving environment… Unconventional family units can offer the same warmth, with just as much parental devotion. In some situations though, extra support is needed to compensate for the additional challenges they face, and this should be provided to offer a fair chance to all children and families.”
Craig Murray believes that parental example is the key to the issue. “There appears to be a more acute crisis of social dysfunction among some young people in Norfolk than in surrounding counties. Teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and school exclusion are all alarming. The solution lies in families which teach better moral values, but that depends on the adult members of the families being themselves socially responsible and integrated into society.” More widely he wants community relationships to be restored: “There is a major problem of declining friendly social communication, with people spending more and more time in their own homes, watching television, and not meeting or communicating with others. The answer to these problems does not lie with politicians, but in much broader social movements of which faith groups can play a vital part.
Society and migration
Our society is becoming increasingly multicultural, even in rural Norfolk. How would you promote social cohesion in North Norwich?
April Pond is positive about our multicultural society. “I believe that multiculturalism relies on people from different cultural back grounds being free to celebrate their identity and beliefs freely. Britain is, and has throughout its history been, multicultural. Our identity is based on this and it is something we should celebrate.
“It is important that people do not feel threatened by multiculturalism and that they do not feel marginalised by this ongoing process. Change is always a matter for some concern, people can never be sure where it will lead.
“Efforts need to be made from both sides to celebrate our common beliefs and I am sure in time we will find that what brings us together as people is greater than any cultural differences we may have.”
Craig Murray said: “All people were created equal by God, and all are equally precious. We must always remember this. Whatever people's attitudes to immigration law, our laws were not made by the individual immigrants who settle here. Those who dislike the system must not be inhospitable to immigrant families.
“Mutual understanding is important and we should actively seek cross-cultural friendships. Faith groups should organise mutual discussions and exhibitions to seek out that which unites us. But it must be understood that the laws of this land must be obeyed by all.”
Right to LifeIt is generally agreed that the 1967 Abortion Act is out of date. What principles guide how you would vote in any measures to change it?
“This is an extremely difficult area. I am opposed to abortion, but I do not think it should be illegal as the consequences of that are grim,” replies Craig Murray (pictured right). “One important point is that those who dislike abortion, should stop stigmatising single parents. In fact, the aim must be to make it as easy as possible to give any child a good upbringing.
“My view is that the law should prevent the abortion of any foetus that might survive. That would indicate the need to reduce the term at which abortion is lawful.”
April Pond is not against abortion, but she takes a similar view to changes in the law. Although I support a woman‘s right to choose, I agree that the 1967 Abortion Act and the subsequent Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 need to be updated.
“The fact that babies can be born at 22 weeks and survive should compel us to rethink the law to recognise this. Only a very few abortion occur between 20 and 24 weeks, and on this basis I do support the case for lowering the threshold for when abortions should take place.” She also believes that women considering termination should be given better advice. “Women should be warned of the emotional and psychological impact that it may have. I know that many women who have had abortions regret the decision for the rest of their lives, and this should be made clear to them.
Poverty
Nine years ago, 189 world leaders signed the Millennium Declaration committing to end poverty by 2015. Our own economic crisis now dominates policy - how will you help ensure the needs of the global poor are not forgotten?
April Pond responds: “The economic crisis has hit Britain hard and people are struggling to make ends meet. The elderly in Britain are finding life particularly hard, with the rise in costs not being matched by an increase in help from government. We must ensure that the people in Britain who are suffering are given the support they need to get through these difficult times.
“However, when a nation of Britain’s stature makes a commitment like this, it should not try to escape its responsibilities simply because it isn’t convenient. It is important that the Millennium Declaration is not allowed to be a grand gesture which we abandon, we must work to fight poverty and inequality wherever we find it, be it in Britain or in our global community.”
Craig Murray is more specific about measures to help the world’s poor:
“I have worked much of my life in Africa. I would favour:
- A continued increase in the DFID budget, despite spending restraints
- A reduced DFID emphasis on budget support, which falls prey to corruption, and more emphasis on old-fashioned projects
- More Government funding to be channelled through NGOs with proven track records of delivery and efficiency, such as World Vision and Sight Savers.
- Tariff free access for all developing world goods, including agricultural produce
- An end to diversion of subsidised First World agricultural produce to Third World Markets”
World Peace
Please tell us one way in which you, as a local MP, would seek to encourage peaceful resolutions of international conflicts.
“I would not vote for any illegal wars, which would be an improvement,” is Craig Murray’s commitment. He reminds us of his own experience of international diplomacy: “I personally negotiated the British government's peace deal with the rebels of Sierra Leone in 1999. I am a campaigner, and will continue to be so, on behalf of neglected suffering groups like the Uzbeks under their dictatorship, the Uighurs of China, the Burmese, and the English speaking population of Cameroon. “
April Pond regrets that the UK’s moral authority has been damaged. “The war in Iraq, which I consider to be illegal, cost us a huge amount of respect, as well as causing the deaths of thousands of people. We have also sent troops to Afghanistan without the equipment they need or a clear strategy to achieve our goals.”
She believes foreign policy decisions should be based on what is morally right, not politically convenient. “Britain is a major player in international politics and we must use our influence to resolve conflicts, not start them. We should support those who find themselves without the means to defend themselves. As an MP I will back any foreign policy decision I believe to be ethical and fight to hold the government to account when it compromises our standing in global politics.”
The Environment
What change of attitudes and expectations needs to take place in our local context to meet the challenge of global warming?
The candidates agree that attitude change is required. Craig Murray says “Faith groups can play a leading role in persuading people to moderate consumerist, resource gobbling lifestyles – which all major faiths already interdict.” He believes Norfolk has particular opportunities: “Norfolk has great potential for wind, wave and current power, and even solar power. Local opposition needs to be overcome in view of the need to cut emissions due to the much greater global emergency.”
“We have developed into a wasteful society” says April Pond. As attitudes change she places the onus on local government to respond and provide services to help – but “action on a local level must also be matched by effective policies from the government. We have a public transport infrastructure in Britain which is substandard, inefficient and far too expensive. You can’t tell people to use public transport if the service isn’t good enough.”
Yet individual action is also worthwhile. “With a challenge as massive as climate change it is easy to feel that your contribution is a drop in the ocean, and if it requires a huge effort people can easily be put off. I genuinely believe people are willing to do their bit and they should be encouraged.”
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