By Anthony Webber:
Independent candidate puts old establishment parties to shame with open discussion of the issues on his election website.
There are 13 candidates in the Selby and Ainsty by-election on 20th July.
(There are two other by-elections on the same day, Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and Somerton and Frome, which have been written about separately:
This by election was caused by the announcement by the incumbent, Nigel Adams, that he was standing down as an MP. He was an ally of the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and his resignation was made one day after Boris Johnson resigned.
Unlike Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Ulez is not a main election issue in this by-election.
It seems that many constituents believe that as far as Westminster is concerned, they are “the land that time forgot.”
One problem with the government’s “levelling up” policy is that it does the very opposite of what it is supposed to achieve.
The UK has become more fragmented and divided during 13 years of this government. Local areas are having to compete for government funds when they all should be treated equally, has created a worsening of the deprived and less deprived parts of the country.
The key issues are rising costs of living and high energy prices, increased rent and mortgage costs, made worse because many in this constituency are on low wages.
Other issues included concerns about:
NHS hospital and GP waiting lists.
The general woke agenda.
Immigration out of control.
Freedom of speech and debate, openness, and transparency
Honesty integrity and trust in politics
So the top key issues are hugely influenced by the government’s policies on Russia and Ukraine, yet the old established parties want to avoid debate about this!
Well done to the Independent candidate, Andrew Gray, who has given his opinions and opened them up for debate on his election website.
It is ironic that the previous MP for this constituency was an ally of the former Prime Minister, ,the man who embroiled the UK in the Ukraine conflict with no mandate whatsoever.
He was also directly responsible for prolonging the conflict when he helped scupper a peace deal which was due to be signed a year ago last April!
Thus, the candidates were sent a questionnaire to obtain their views on such issues, or whether they only believed in selective free speech and transparency.
(In other words if they only wanted to debate election issues which suited them, rather than the public interest).
It is up to the reader to judge for themselves the responses of the candidates,( which are detailed after the questionnaire)
They were all treated equally, were given three reminders, so it was done scrupulously fairly.
QUESTIONNAIRE
For the attention of ..Name of candidate
I write to congratulate you on your candidature for the Selby and Ainsty constituency on 20th July 2023.
I am reporting on the by-election and would be grateful for your views on one subject area, that of the UK government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia.
I therefore ask you to answer the following questions:
1.)Bearing in mind that the majority of world countries do not sanction Russia and are neutral, should the UK now adopt a neutral stance and focus on peace making?
YES/NO. Any comments…………
2.)Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine?
YES/NO..….. Any comments…………
3.) Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on aid and other expenditures for Ukraine?
YES/NO.….. Any comments…………
4.) Are you aware of how much money the UK government has committed to Ukraine?
YES/NO. Any comments………….
5.) If you agree with spending taxpayers’ money on Ukraine, how much would you be prepared for the UK to pay per year?
I don’t agree with spending any money at all….
Or I agree with spending £………….pa
Any comments……….
6.) Do you believe that the government should have been honest with Parliament and the UK public about the consequences of their Ukraine and Russia policies?
YES/NO. Any comments……….
7.) Are you aware that any taxpayers’ money spent on Ukraine, means that money is not available for many expenditure requirements in the UK?
YES/NO. Any comments
8.) As the Ukraine and Russia policies of the government have been the main reason for:
Rises in Cost of living and Energy prices, Inflation, Interest rates, Rents, Mortgages, Utilities, Income Tax and Local Council Rates,
Reductions in Local and National Services and much more….
Is all this justified to support one very dubious side in the Ukraine conflict?
YES/NO. Any comments……………
9.) As the Prime Minister stated that financial and military support was available to Ukraine “ for as long as it takes,” how long do you think the UK can shoulder this burden before it becomes untenable? YES/NO. Any comments…..
10.) As there is no mandate for the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, do you believe that if the government does not end such policies, that there should be a Referendum on the issue? YES/NO. Any comment
11.) Like Iraq, there is no plan for the objectives of the UK government’s intervention in Ukraine.
Do you believe the government should be open and transparent about its intentions?
YES/NO. Any comments……
12.) Do you believe that NATO has lost sight of its original principles and that the UK’s membership should be reviewed?
YES/NO. Any comment…..
13.) Do you believe that the UK government betrayed the Afghan people to the Taliban, not standing up for democracy, freedom, human rights and women’s rights and education? YES/NO. Any comment….
14.) We have over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, the vast majority of whom arrived in the UK after Boris Johnson persuaded the Ukrainians to not sign a peace deal ith Russia, prolonging the conflict, costing approximately £2bn a year.
Do you accept that ending the conflict urgently is necessary to end the refugee crisis?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
15.) Do you accept that the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies have put back the genuine green agenda in the UK?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
16.) Do you believe that the government’s policies in Ukraine and Russia should primarily be in the best interests of UK citizens?
YES/NO. Any comments….
17.) Do you believe that the government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia best serve the interests of world peace and safety from nuclear catastrophe?
YES/NO. Any comments….
18.) Do you believe that a free media, free speech, and free debate should be allowed on the subject of the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, and that restricting it is not acceptable in a country which purports to adhere to democratic values?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
19.) There are reliable reports that British service personnel are serving in Ukraine under the guise of mercenaries, and also acting as military strategy advisors.
Do you believe that all British service personnel should be withdrawn immediately as there is no democratic authorisation for this and risks the UK being fully involved in a war?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
20.) The Ukraine President has announced that elections will be delayed until 2024 and will only be held then if martial law is ended by then.
Other countries conduct elections during time of war and conflict, but not this Zelensky government, who have already shut down opposition political parties and media.
Do you believe that the UK government should insist on the resumption of democracy in Ukraine?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
Do you have any general comments to make on this issue?….
…….
I thank you for your attention to this and respectively ask for your response by Thursday 6th July 2023 at the latest.
The results will be published and given out as a media release.
With kind regards
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
RESPONSES ( in alphabetical order):
1.) Andrew Gray, Independent
He responded fully to the questionnaire and put his answers on his website for voters to access and give their own views on.
He engaged in some email debate on the subject with me and there is not room to put all his comments here.
However, anyone wanting to see all these emails is welcome to ask him or me.
Hi Anthony
Thanks for your note and thanks for the congrats.
Also, big respect for asking about the most important issue of our time.
Back in October last year, I wrote the below.
https://www.andrew-gray.org/cuban-missile-crisis-2-0/
As you might have seen, I’m standing with no policies. I’ll be using the AI I’ve been working with for over two years to listen to what people want, in order to create my policies.
I can say that under my political instincts on my website – https://www.andrew-gray.org/about/political-instincts/ – I say that although I’ll be guided by the consensus, my view is that there needs to be peace between Russia and Ukraine.
As this akin to a press release, I have added all my answers to your questions on my website, here: https://www.andrew-gray.org/press-releases/my-views-on-ukraine-and-russia/.
Join Andrew Gray, 7-8pm everyday for an online surgery / Q&A. Get your questions answered!
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Home / Blog / My Views on Ukraine and Russia
My Views on Ukraine and Russia
July 10, 2023
Independent Political Commentator, Anthony Webber, contacted me and all the other candidates, to ask about my views regarding Ukraine. Anthony, whom I do not know, sent the below 20 questions. Here are my answers, with his questions in bold.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
As the UK’s first candidate in an election to crowd source their policies from the constituents, I will always follow the lead of the consensus of the people of Selby and Ainsty.
If elected, as a leader, of course, it is my job to express my views and to inform, however, as a representative, it is my job to represent the will of my constituents, even if this clashes with my own views. I am first and foremost a democrat.
Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was the most shocking international event in my lifetime. I accept that there were some provocations by Ukraine and her allies, but nothing justified the invasion and its barbaric prosecution.
I have followed the events closely. In my view, this is the key issue of our times. The reason why it is not discussed as often as it should be is because – by and large – people in the UK support the Government’s stance. Ukrainian flags can be seen in nearly every village and town. I should add that, at considerable cost, my wider family are hosting a family of four Ukrainians. I am very proud of this.
The current polling/consensus I have here in Selby and Ainsty reveals massive support for Ukraine. As their potential representative, I follow their demands, but if elected, I will ensure to keep seeking their views as this situation develops.
As I wrote last year in my blog on my website, I do believe that we are in a de facto indirect war with Russia. I believe that this is as dangerous as the Cuban Missile Crisis. I believe that a solution/settlement ought to be vigorously pursued. Most wars end in settlement, rather than the total evisceration of an opponent.
1.Bearing in mind that the majority of world countries do not sanction Russia and are neutral, should the UK now adopt a neutral stance and focus on peace making?
The premise of the question is untrue. The United Nations General Assembly debated the issue on 12 October 2022. The results were that 143 countries voted to support Ukraine, with only Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua, Syria and Russia, voting against. Sanctions may not be universally applied, but the world is almost united in its criticism of Russia. I am pleased that we are not in the same camp as Syria and North Korea!
I would, however, agree that we here in the UK should always be looking to resolve a conflict, particularly one on our doorstep and one which has nuclear threats.
2.Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine?
Yes, if backed by Parliament, following a reasoned debate. When considering the risks to the UK, Russia has been a threat for decades. The unlawful invasion and the brutal prosecution of the war by the invaders, proves our wariness of Russia to have been valid.
3.Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on aid and other expenditures for Ukraine?
Yes.
4.Are you aware of how much money the UK government has committed to Ukraine?
Yes – a great deal. I cannot give you the number, but I accept that this number ought to be known more widely. Off the top of my head, I cannot give you the NHS budget numbers, either.
5.If you agree with spending taxpayers’ money on Ukraine, how much would you be prepared for the UK to pay per year?
I do not have a figure.
6.Do you believe that the government should have been honest with Parliament and the UK public about the consequences of their Ukraine and Russia policies?
Yes. There has been far too little debate and information imparted about this issue. I am pleased that you are asking these questions. Please keep asking them.
7.Are you aware that any taxpayers’ money spent on Ukraine, means that money is not available for many expenditure requirements in the UK?
Yes, of course.
8.) As the Ukraine and Russia policies of the government have been the main reason for:
Rises in Cost of living and Energy prices, Inflation, Interest rates, Rents, Mortgages, Utilities, Income Tax and Local Council Rates, Reductions in Local and National Services and much more….
Is all this justified to support one very dubious side in the Ukraine conflict?
Again, the premise of your question is erroneous. There are a multitude of reasons for the issues you raise, one of which is the immoral invasion. The printing of money to pay for Covid is the principal contributor to inflation in the UK. High inflation has caused the rise in interest rates – a rise which I don’t support.
9.As the Prime Minister stated that financial and military support was available to Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” how long do you think the UK can shoulder this burden before it becomes untenable?
I don’t know.
- As there is no mandate for the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, do you believe that if the government does not end such policies, that there should be a Referendum on the issue?
It is an interesting and thought-provoking question. The consensus-building tool that I am using in Selby and Ainsty does – I believe – reflect the national opinion polls – ie one of strong support for Ukraine. As the main parties seem to have identical views on the invasion and our support for Ukraine, I do not see a need for a referendum. But referenda are a good way of solving big issues when a population is split. I supported the Brexit Referendum taking place.
11.Like Iraq, there is no plan for the objectives of the UK government’s intervention in Ukraine. Do you believe the government should be open and transparent about its intentions?
Yes, as far as it can be. In matters of such importance, for example, what our special forces and spies get up to, such information cannot be in the public domain. But there needs to be democratic oversight by MPs. As a society, we do need to discuss this issue and I praise you for raising this issue.
- Do you believe that NATO has lost sight of its original principles and that the UK’s membership should be reviewed?
No, unless the people in Selby and Ainsty have a different view. NATO’s objective – though not explicitly stated as far as I know – is to ensure that Russia does not invade other nations. Its utility seems more relevant than ever.
- Do you believe that the UK government betrayed the Afghan people to the Taliban, not standing up for democracy, freedom, human rights and women’s rights and education?
No. We could not be there forever. However, the manner in which the Foreign Office handled the matter was a national disgrace, but this was triggered by President Biden.
- We have over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, the vast majority of whom arrived in the UK after Boris Johnson persuaded the Ukrainians to not sign a peace deal with Russia, prolonging the conflict, costing approximately £2bn a year. Do you accept that ending the conflict urgently is necessary to end the refugee crisis?
Yes, if it can be resolved.
- Do you accept that the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies have put back the genuine green agenda in the UK?
This an excellent question, to which I do not have the answer. My instinct is that it has impacted the transition to Net Zero, because some things are, frankly, more important.
- Do you believe that the government’s policies in Ukraine and Russia should primarily be in the best interests of UK citizens?
Yes.
- Do you believe that the government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia best serve the interests of world peace and safety from nuclear catastrophe?
This is a good and necessary question. The UK is, thankfully, working in conjunction with NATO partners. It is imperative that NATO is united. I do, though, believe that significantly more efforts should go into finding a peaceful solution. Last year, peace was nearly achieved, but the plan was scuppered. I am worried about the “Military Industrial Complex’s” involvement here; worried that new weapons are essentially being battle-tested; deeply concerned that diplomacy doesn’t seem to have been pursued as actively as it should be. However, no doubt many a conversation is being had behind closed doors to which we are unaware.
- Do you believe that a free media, free speech, and free debate should be allowed on the subject of the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, and that restricting it is not acceptable in a country which purports to adhere to democratic values?
Yes. I am unaware that free speech has been curtailed on this issue.
- There are reliable reports that British service personnel are serving in Ukraine under the guise of mercenaries, and also acting as military strategy advisors. Do you believe that all British service personnel should be withdrawn immediately as there is no democratic authorisation for this and risks the UK being fully involved in a war?
British people, and military personnel, should be allowed to go to Ukraine, though not to fight. In my blogs, I was critical of the decision to withdraw our military trainers in the run-up to the invasion. I do believe that, prior to the invasion, our policies towards Russia should have been smarter, however, we are dealing with a gangster state which poisons people in Salisbury; so many prominent Russians meet their end by falling off a balcony. International norms do not seem to bother Russia.
Do you have any general comments to make on this issue?
Thank you for raising this issue. As I said above, I believe that two of your questions are factually incorrect. If I am incorrect, please explain how. I like open debate on key topics.
( Note I Explained why the two questions he referred to were not factually incorrect and that open debate on key topics is vital)
- Do you believe that the UK government should insist on the resumption of democracy in Ukraine?
This is a matter for Ukraine, but we in the UK should be watchful of what happens. Over the years, we have supported far less democratic regimes. Ukraine is no utopia, I know. We should be realistic. But in times of an existential threat, desperate measures are often needed.
NB I point out that Andrew Gray has been an activist for the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democratic parties
He asked:
Do you need anything else?
( In answer to his offer, he was told he could contribute further, which he did as follows):
- I was aware of Azov battalion.
- Aware of the shenanigans around the revolution of 2013ish.
- Aware of Minsk.
- Aware of NATO promises.
- Aware that Russia has been invaded a few times through the flat land of Ukraine.
- Most of the world isn’t in a good place to sanction such a massive exporter of raw materials.
- Aware Russian economy is growing.
- I used to campaign against the sanctions on Burma/Myanmar – see the House of Lords Economic Affairs report from circa 2003. I am interested in the impact of sanctions.
- Think there was always going to be a lag with inflation. I saved this article in 2021 because I knew it was on the money, pardon the pun! https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/159b175a-c94f-11eb-b255-82dcc5007185?shareToken=287b0d6d527ea2055f8a11223697fbf2.
Must go. It’s so hard doing this without a party.
All the best. Keep asking these essential questions.
2.)Councillor Claire Holmes, Conservative party candidate
No response given
3.)Councillor Mike Jordan, No party listing but known to have rejoined the Yorkshire party
He responded as follows:
I am really sorry, but my lack of response is because I have absolutely no knowledge on the subject and I don’t comment on something I know nothing about. Regards
(NB My comment: Well done Mike for being courteous and honest)
4.)David Kent, Reform UK party candidate
Responded as follows:
Hello Anthony hope you are well, I like the questions you have asked unfortunately not enough reporters etc are doing this. I don’t like Putin he acts like gangster. I think we went far to quickly into this. The facts that Ukraine is also a extremely corrupt country. So when Putin invaded Ukraine he made accusation against Ukraine. That on the Eastern side they were persecuting Russians in that area I don’t know if this is true or not. But that has not been answered. But we piled weapons at enormous cost, it should have been . Risking escalation with a nuclear country would mean to me, we tread carefully. We wouldn’t get a second chance. I’m not saying at this point we just leave them, it’s much different now that we have promised to help but I would change help with a healthy dialogue between the two countries.. like too many conflicts we jumped in without a strategy of getting out.
5.)Keir Alexander Mather, Labour party
Acknowledgement, but no response
6.)Nick Palmer, Independent
No response
7.) Guy Phoenix, Heritage party
Guy responded as follows with a joint response sent by party leader David Kurten
Hello Anthony,
Guy and I have liaised, and we’ve written a response here:
“The Heritage Party has opposed British involvement in the Ukraine war since the beginning of the conflict. Our call to de-escalate and end the conflict still stands. It is appalling Prime Ministers Johnson, Truss, and now Sunak, have continually escalated the conflict by sending over £5 billion that we do not have and will have to be borrowed and added to our national debt, and ever more destructive weapons that are taking the world to the brink of a nuclear conflagration.
Escalating and prolonging what is now a proxy war between NATO and Russia does not in any way benefit ordinary British citizens – it only benefits the US military-industrial complex and corrupt actors who use Ukraine for money laundering and people trafficking. Our continuing involvement is causing untold suffering to the Ukrainian people and adding to the death toll of soldiers, both Russian and Ukrainian.
We should be calling for and facilitating peace. The West should not be enemies with Russia. That is the wrong future for the world. We need to reverse course, de-escalate and stop the war.”
Best wishes,
David
8.)Sir Archibald Stanton, The Official Monster Raving Loony party
No response
9.) Councillor Matt Walker, Liberal Democratic party
Acknowledgement, but No response
His colleague standing in Uxbridge gave a response
10.)Arnold Warneken, Green party
Responded as follows:
Thanks for your interest in our by-election Anthony.
However, I’m afraid that I just don’t have the resources to respond to your questions by your deadline. I am a full-time North Yorkshire Councillor and I take my responsibilities to my residents very seriously.
The whole Ukraine-Russia war is deeply troubling and very complex, and I appreciate your concern. Should I be elected, I will be happy to respond.
Best wishes
Arnold
11.)John Waterston, Social Democratic party
He fully responded and fully completed the questionnaire as follows:
Good evening Anthony,
Apologies for the delayed return of the questions. I had an unplanned trip to the hospital just before the deadline and understand if this can’t be used:
Kind regards
John Waterston
From: anthonywebber@cwgsy.net <anthonywebber@cwgsy.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 4:53 PM
To: ‘leader@sdp.org.uk‘ <leader@sdp.org.uk>
Subject: Selby and Ainsty by-election
Dear John Waterston
I write to congratulate you on your candidature for the Social Democratic party for the Selby and Ainsty by election on 20th July 2023.
I am reporting on the by-election and would be grateful for your views on one subject area, that of the UK government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia.
I therefore ask you to answer the following questions:
1.)Bearing in mind that the majority of world countries do not sanction Russia and are neutral, should the UK now adopt a neutral stance and focus on peace making?
- Any comments: The UK has already committed significantly and led the charge so to speak. I do not think we would be credible to the Russians as a broker for peace.
2.)Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine?
NO..….. Any comments: As a UK patriot, I have watched our own armed forces being hollowed out by successive governments. We should offer training and logistics support, but we need to build our own capabilities, not give them away.
3.) Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on aid and other expenditures for Ukraine?
YES.….. Any comments: We have committed early in the conflict, so withdrawing the aid now would make enemies of Ukraine as well as Russia. It would be seen as a betrayal.
4.) Are you aware of how much money the UK government has committed to Ukraine?
- Any comments: no, but it is the billions I believe.
5.) If you agree with spending taxpayers’ money on Ukraine, how much would you be prepared for the UK to pay per year?
I don’t agree with spending any money at all….
Or I agree with spending £1 bn.pa
Any comments: This would be concomitant with training and aid but not weaponising Ukraine with our own kit.
6.) Do you believe that the government should have been honest with Parliament and the UK public about the consequences of their Ukraine and Russia policies?
YES Any comments: I think there should have been a full Parliamentary debate. I’m not convinced the government even knew the potential consequences, so they could hardly share that with the public.
7.) Are you aware that any taxpayers’ money spent on Ukraine, means that money is not available for many expenditure requirements in the UK?
YES Any comments
8.) As the Ukraine and Russia policies of the government have been the main reason for:
Rises in Cost of living and Energy prices, Inflation, Interest rates, Rents, Mortgages, Utilities, Income Tax and Local Council Rates,
Reductions in Local and National Services and much more….
Is all this justified to support one very dubious side in the Ukraine conflict?
- Any comments: The rationale was sound to help a country defend its sovereignty against external aggression, but not on the open ended scale to date
9.) As the Prime Minister stated that financial and military support was available to Ukraine “ for as long as it takes,” how long do you think the UK can shoulder this burden before it becomes untenable? YES Any comments: As long as it takes is not tenable. 12 months fixed.
10.) As there is no mandate for the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, do you believe that if the government does not end such policies, that there should be a Referendum on the issue? NO. Any comment: The initial nudging, refugee schemes and propaganda would make a referendum futile. To vote yes would paint you a supporter of the enemy.
11.) Like Iraq, there is no plan for the objectives of the UK government’s intervention in Ukraine.
Do you believe the government should be open and transparent about its intentions?
YES Any comments: Because there has been no official statement of intentions beyond helping Ukraine to push back Russia all we can.
12.) Do you believe that NATO has lost sight of its original principles and that the UK’s membership should be reviewed?
- Any comment: It is too early to judge
13.) Do you believe that the UK government betrayed the Afghan people to the Taliban, not standing up for democracy, freedom, human rights and women’s rights and education? YES. Any comment: Our policy was entirely based on being wingman for the US. We were very much the junior partner in an incompetently handled conflict.
14.) We have over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, the vast majority of whom arrived in the UK after Boris Johnson persuaded the Ukrainians to not sign a peace deal ith Russia, prolonging the conflict, costing approximately £2bn a year.
Do you accept that ending the conflict urgently is necessary to end the refugee crisis?
NO Any comments: A large portion will stay, partly for the benefits and better life, partly because of infrastructure and economic dislocation post conflict in Ukraine
15.) Do you accept that the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies have put back the genuine green agenda in the UK?
- Any comments: I do not accept that impoverishing a country that contributes 1% of the CO2 with our net zero commitments has any bearing on it’s support for Ukraine.
16.) Do you believe that the government’s policies in Ukraine and Russia should primarily be in the best interests of UK citizens?
YES Any comments: That is the first duty of government. They have not come close to explaining why our support for Ukraine is in the interests of UK citizens.
17.) Do you believe that the government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia best serve the interests of world peace and safety from nuclear catastrophe?
- Any comments: I am relaxed about nuclear catastrophe – I believe the media are talking that up.
18.) Do you believe that a free media, free speech, and free debate should be allowed on the subject of the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, and that restricting it is not acceptable in a country which purports to adhere to democratic values?
YES. Any comments: Tony Blair used WMD to persuade, Boris Johnson has used humanitarian objectives and concern for the sanctity of a country’s borders to persuade without debate.(Even though UK borders are porous and not secure)
19.) There are reliable reports that British service personnel are serving in Ukraine under the guise of mercenaries, and also acting as military strategy advisors.
Do you believe that all British service personnel should be withdrawn immediately as there is no democratic authorisation for this and risks the UK being fully involved in a war?
- Any comments: if there is an unofficial mandate by the people who have been nudged and persuaded to support Ukraine, then these kinds of assets are very cost effective. Nothing is transparent, deliberately.
20.)Do you believe that the UK government should insist on the resumption of democracy in Ukraine?
YES Any comments: We should make that a condition of our continued large scale support. Ukraine’s regime was vulnerable to attack by Russia, partly as a result of corruption and developing but week democratic system.
Do you have any general comments to make on this issue?
No, thank you.
Kind regards
John Waterston
12.) Luke Wellock, The Climate party
There was an acknowledgement, but No response
13.)”YorkshireTyke,” Callum Wilson-Kerr
No response
Electors have only one vote, so they need to pick just one of the 13.
This is because the electorate is still saddled with the first past the post system.
Clearly, the STV system( Single Transferable Vote) does not exist for Parliamentary elections, which is a huge shame because this system enables the preferred candidate of the majority of electors to become elected, rather than the candidate with the most number of initial votes ( even when that percentage is very low indeed).
I have my own view of the importance of completing election questionnaires:
I believe it is part of demonstrating that the individual candidate is a servant of the public rather than expecting the public to serve them with their votes, for nothing in return.
It is very easy for a candidate to say they have not the time to do these things, but is that the attitude they are going to display if elected to Parliament?
There is a saying, “ask a busy person to do something, and they can be relied upon to do it.”
This applies to elections and politicians, even though there can be exceptions to this.
To me, it is very concerning when people wanting to get elected, try and avoid answering questions.
It smacks of double standards when such people demand free debate on selective issues, but not on other very important issues.
The government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia are causing major harm to the cost of living of UK citizens .
This is the major election issue!
These policies cannot be ignored! It is wrong to pretend they are not there and do not cause damage!
It is dishonest and dishonourable to try to sidestep these issues.
This questionnaire has opened up debate, which is so vital if we are to have a free and democratic society.
The main parties and some others want candidates to go into denial.
Therefore, great credit is due, not just to those who fully completed the questionnaires, but those who made some comments, even if not always entirely constructive.
It is with dialogue that it is possible to resolve the situation.
Another important point is a candidate being prepared to engage with those they disagree with.
If such a person becomes elected at least there is an indication that they will engage with you, rather than ignore you as some constituency MP’s do.
I commend the Independent candidate Andrew Gray for not just completing the questionnaire but using it to engage with the voters to ascertain their views on the subject.
This is exactly what I was trying to achieve, open and free debate on the issue, instead of no platforming.
This candidate really put the established old parties to shame.
I also commend John Waterston of the SDP ( Social Democratic party) for fully completing the questionnaire, which all candidates should do in reality.
There were helpful general Ukraine policy comments from Guy Phoenix of the Heritage party and Mike Jordan of the Reform party
The summary was:
Four candidates not acknowledging nor responding.
Three candidates acknowledging but not responding.
Two candidates responding with reasons for not giving any Ukraine policy comments
Two candidates giving Ukraine policy statement responses.
Two candidates giving full responses and completing the questionnaire.
What seems to be evolving is this:
1.) A neutral stance by the UK government being a preferred choice
2.) A concern about the amount of taxpayers money spent on weaponry for Ukraine
3.) A lower concern about other taxpayers aid to Ukraine
4.) A lack of awareness of how much money the UK government has committed to Ukraine
5.) A view that there should be limitations on how much taxpayers money is spent on Ukraine
6.) A view that the government should be more honest about the consequences of their policies on Ukraine and Russia
7.) A growing awareness that taxpayers money spent on Ukraine means that money is not available for UK spending
8.) A realisation that the range of economic issues, rises in taxes and reductions in services, are very influenced by the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies
9.) An understanding that financial and economic support for Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” is untenable.
10.) An acceptance that the government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia have no mandate and increased support for having a referendum on the issue.
11.) A need for the government to be open and transparent about the objectives of their Ukraine and Russia policies.
12.) A view that NATO and the UK’s membership should be reviewed.
13.) Agreement that the UK government betrayed the people of Afghanistan.
14.) Agreement that ending the conflict urgently is necessary to end the Ukrainian refugee crisis.
15.) Agreement that the policies had put back the green agenda.
16.) Agreement that government policies in Ukraine and Russia should primarily be in the interests of UK citizens.
17.) Agreement that government policies on Ukraine and Russia should serve the interests of world peace and avoiding nuclear catastrophe.
18.) Very much agreement on the need to have free speech and debate on the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies.
19.) Agreement that any British miliary serving in Ukraine should be withdrawn.
20.) Agreement that Ukraine should not postpone their elections.
21.) A number of candidates wanting these issues swept under the carpet
What has become apparent in my interactions with the candidates is the lack of knowledge of the policies of the government on Ukraine and Russia and their consequences on the United Kingdom. The preparedness of candidates to accept the government view and their “experts” views without questioning them, is worrying especially when it is acknowledged that the government engaged in a widespread disinformation campaign throughout the covid-19 “pandemic” period. Some candidates admitted that they supported the government policies based on the information which was supplied to them by the government as well as the compliant media.
This is why a free media and free debate is so important. Some candidates support elements of the government policies based on believing a pack of lies.
This adds another quality needed of a potential MP, the ability to ask questions without fear or favour.
It should be pointed out that all the information here has been offered to mainstream media since the start of the by-elections.
It is indicative of how biased and unfree they are, that the local media have yet to take this up.
It is nothing short of a disgrace.
If all of the media gave equal and fair treatment of the by-election candidates, there would be more public engagement and willingness to vote.
In the Appendix below is list of the Candidates and the results of the 2019 General Election, when Nigel Adams was re-elected to the seat. He was first elected there in the 2010 General Election. It will be interesting to see how the parties perform, and Reform UK and Heritage party both will be aware that in the 2015 General Election, UKIP, who are not standing in this by-election, achieved 14% of the vote.
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
| 2023 Selby and Ainsty by-election[26] | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| [a] | Andrew Gray | New | |||
| Conservative | Claire Holmes | ||||
| [b] | Mike Jordan | ||||
Lead Correspondent | David Clews is the Lead Correspondent for UNN, with over 20 years of political/campaigning experience and a wealth of social media and communication skills David gets to the heart of what is really important to the real people of the UK.
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