Tamworth by-election candidates answer important Foreign Policy questions sent to them.
By Anthony Webber
On Thursday 19th October there are two more by-elections taking place:
Tamworth is one and has 9 candidates standing.
There are many issues relevant to voters, but often the importance of Foreign policies is overlooked by them..
The Foreign policies of UK governments can have major implications for domestic economic situation, as has been seen with the massive increases in the costs of living and energy.
The candidates have been sent a small number of questions on the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies.
They have also been sent one on the latest Foreign policy issue, that of the conflict between Hamas and Israel, which is seeing a major rise in tension in the Middle East.
The political situation has changed greatly in the UK since the last General Election. There was a division between those pro and against the EU. Since then, the covid scenario brought about the birth of the truth and freedom movement, and new alliances were formed. Then the Ukraine/Russia conflict came about which brought about the resetting of political boundaries. Now there has been the conflict rising in the Middle East and the question of “what is in British interests and the interests of world peace,” dividing those who favour peace over those who favour war.
Here is what the candidates have been sent:
For the kind attention of ..Name of Candidate
I write to congratulate you as a candidate for the Parliamentary by election on 19th October 2023.
I am reporting on the by-election and would be grateful for your views on one subject area, by this Saturday 14th October 2023, that of the UK government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia. The results of this brief questionnaire will be given to the local and national media
I therefore ask the following questions:
1.)The Foreign Polices of the UK government have caused major rises in the costs of living and energy, as well as other economic consequences. They have resulted in Russia becoming closer to Communist China, North Korea and other countries, instead of Western countries such as the UK. The unsuccessful efforts by the UK government on other countries to support sanctions against Russia and to supply arms to Ukraine, have been seen as coercive and bullying, and have caused reputational damage to the UK. It seems that this Foreign policy has been one of the biggest blunders in our history.
Do you believe the UK government ( and Opposition) need to urgently review UK Foreign policy in respect of Ukraine and Russia?
Yes/No….. Any comment……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2.) The UK government, without any mandate, has been spending billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine, money which is desperately needed in the UK. There is now no democracy in Ukraine, opposition parties have been shut down as have opposition media, as have a major orthodox Church. Those who want peace are not allowed a voice. There was due to be a peace agreement signed between Ukraine and Russia back in April 2022, but this was scuppered by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who offered weaponry and aid for them to continue fighting. The UK has trained thousands of Ukrainians, many of whom have been killed or wounded on the meat grinder front. The UK government has the blood of thousands on its hands for perpetuating this conflict which Ukraine has never had any chance of winning. So far, intelligence sources estimate that 1.3 million Ukrainian military have been killed, wounded, or are missing, as opposed to 79,800 Russians. These casualties are obscene.
Do you believe that the UK government should end military support to Ukraine now and change to becoming a peace- making country?
Yes/No…..Any Comments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.) Since the start of this conflict, the UK government has used many of the media powers they had during covid to bring about one -sided presentation of what is going on. The public have been denied the truth because anything contrary to the UK government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia, have been no platformed.
Do you believe that there should be free and open debate on all aspects of the UK government’s ( and Opposition’s) Ukraine and Russia policies?
Yes/No….. Any comments……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4.) This is an add on question which is optional:
With reference to the conflict in Israel which started with Hamas in Gaza, and which is worsening, do you believe that the UK government should focus on being a peace-maker in the Middle East?
Yes/No…..Any comments……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Do you have any general comments to make?……………………………………………………………………………………………..
I look forward to hearing from you.
With all best wishes,
Anthony Webber,
Independent Political Commentator
07824444604
The candidates responded as follows:
1.) Robert Bilcliff, UKIP:
Anthony,
Please find below the Party’s response to your questions as per your request.
1.) The Foreign Polices of the UK government have caused major rises in the costs of living and energy, as well as other economic consequences. They have resulted in Russia becoming closer to Communist China, North Korea and other countries, instead of Western countries such as the UK. The unsuccessful efforts by the UK government on other countries to support sanctions against Russia and to supply arms to Ukraine, have been seen as coercive and bullying, and have caused reputational damage to the UK. It seems that this foreign policy has been one of the biggest blunders in our history.
Do you believe the UK government (and Opposition) need to urgently review UK Foreign policy in respect of Ukraine and Russia?
Yes/No…NO.. Any comment It is in our national interests to give support to Ukraine. The UK is right to support our allies by putting maximum pressure on Russia at this time.
2.) The UK government, without any mandate, has been spending billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine, money which is desperately needed in the UK. There is now no democracy in Ukraine, opposition parties have been shut down as have opposition media, as have a major orthodox Church. Those who want peace are not allowed a voice. There was due to be a peace agreement signed between Ukraine and Russia back in April 2022, but this was scuppered by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who offered weaponry and aid for them to continue fighting. The UK has trained thousands of Ukrainians, many of whom have been killed or wounded on the meat grinder front. The UK government has the blood of thousands on its hands for perpetuating this conflict which Ukraine has never had any chance of winning. So far, intelligence sources estimate that 1.3 million Ukrainian military have been killed, wounded, or are missing, as opposed to 79,800 Russians. These casualties are obscene.
Do you believe that the UK government should end military support to Ukraine now and change to becoming a peace- making country?
Yes/No NO …. Any Comments… Our party does not agree with your analysis. It is not in our national interests to appease Russian aggression.
3.) Since the start of this conflict, the UK government has used many of the media powers they had during covid to bring about one -sided presentation of what is going on. The public have been denied the truth because anything contrary to the UK government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia, have been no platformed.
Do you believe that there should be free and open debate on all aspects of the UK government’s ( and Opposition’s) Ukraine and Russia policies?
Yes/No Yes . Any comments We support freedom of speech. That doesn’t mean we necessarily agree with opposing views.
4.) This is an add on question which is optional:
With reference to the conflict in Israel which started with Hamas in Gaza, and which is worsening, do you believe that the UK government should focus on being a peace-maker in the Middle East?
Yes/No NO Any comments Hamas is committed to wiping Israel off the map so it is unlikely peace will be possible. However, if Hamas change their position and are willing to negotiate reasonable terms we would support trying to achieve a mutually beneficial peace agreement
Do you have any general comments to make? The UK Independence Party’s policy is generally not to get involved in international conflicts unless they are clearly shown to be in the national interest or are required under treaty obligations or the international laws governing the protection of civilians. However, sometimes conflict is unavoidable, and as stated above we consider countering hostility, aggression and expansionism to be in our national interest.
(Note:It has to be said that the party’s Defence spokesperson, who was the UKIP candidate in the July 20th Somerton and Frome by-election, gave responses to similar questions posed to him, which were quite different to those given here. We know that there are differing views in UKIP on such issues, but we have to go by what the individual candidate gives to us, which is as above.
2.) Cllr. Andy Cooper, Conservative party:
No response
3.) Ian Stewart Cooper, Reform UK party:
It’s not a binary yes or no answer… Countries should not aggressively attack their neighbours. That is either militarily or by political expansion. Russia and the West (through the EU and other agencies) have been guilty of various degrees of this. Both sides interfered before 2014 and continue to do so. Both attempting to pull Ukraine into each other’s orbit.
UK governments don’t require a mandate for foreign policy decisions, though it might be suggested advisable for intervention in conflicts. The UK electorate are the ultimate judge as to what a government does.
There should always be free and open debate. We live in a democratic country, based on the freedom of thought, speech and expression.
The Middle East doesn’t need the UK to directly get involved. In the end it’s up to them to resolve their own issues. If as a nation we are asked/invited to get involved (or give advice) as a facilitator, then that is a different matter depending on what is being asked of us.
4.) Sarah-Siena Edwards, Labour party:
No response
5.) Howling Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony party:
No response
6.) Sue Howarth, Green party candidate:
No response
7.) Peter George Longman, Independent:
Unable to contact
8.) Ashlea Simon, Britain First:
1.)The Foreign Polices of the UK government have caused major rises in the costs of living and energy, as well as other economic consequences. They have resulted in Russia becoming closer to Communist China, North Korea and other countries, instead of Western countries such as the UK. The unsuccessful efforts by the UK government on other countries to support sanctions against Russia and to supply arms to Ukraine, have been seen as coercive and bullying, and have caused reputational damage to the UK. It seems that this Foreign policy has been one of the biggest blunders in our history.
Do you believe the UK government ( and Opposition) need to urgently review UK Foreign policy in respect of Ukraine and Russia?
Yes/No….. Any comment…………………………I live by the code of don’t cut your nose off to spite your face and I believe this is a code of conduct the UK government could do with learning.
Their knee jerk, virtue signalling meddling in foreign affairs have left our elderly without heat and has left our country in a financial mess.
We should be forming friendships with other strong nations not making enemies of them with terrible foreign policies.…………………………………………………………………………………………
2.) The UK government, without any mandate, has been spending billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine, money which is desperately needed in the UK. There is now no democracy in Ukraine, opposition parties have been shut down as have opposition media, as have a major orthodox Church. Those who want peace are not allowed a voice. There was due to be a peace agreement signed between Ukraine and Russia back in April 2022, but this was scuppered by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who offered weaponry and aid for them to continue fighting. The UK has trained thousands of Ukrainians, many of whom have been killed or wounded on the meat grinder front. The UK government has the blood of thousands on its hands for perpetuating this conflict which Ukraine has never had any chance of winning. So far, intelligence sources estimate that 1.3 million Ukrainian military have been killed, wounded, or are missing, as opposed to 79,800 Russians. These casualties are obscene.
Do you believe that the UK government should end military support to Ukraine now and change to becoming a peace- making country?
Yes/No…..Any Comments………………………Whilst I have sympathies for both Ukrainian and Russian civilians caught up in this war we need to cease our contributions due to our ever increasing debt and due to our people suffering from this awful and avoidable cost of living crisis.
Our own citizens should always be the number one priority.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.) Since the start of this conflict, the UK government has used many of the media powers they had during covid to bring about one -sided presentation of what is going on. The public have been denied the truth because anything contrary to the UK government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia, have been no platformed.
Do you believe that there should be free and open debate on all aspects of the UK government’s ( and Opposition’s) Ukraine and Russia policies?
Yes/No….. Any comments…………………………Absolutely, it is after all British tax-payers money that is being spent on aid and equipment therefore the taxpayer should be able to debate whether this is an acceptable use of their contributions.
Our government is there to serve the people not the other way around…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4.) This is an add on question which is optional:
With reference to the conflict in Israel which started with Hamas in Gaza, and which is worsening, do you believe that the UK government should focus on being a peace-maker in the Middle East?
Yes/No…..Any comments…………………………absolutely the UK government should be seeking peace in the Middle East. Whilst I understand Israel fighting back against the horrific terror attack last week we must remember that is does not benefit the British people for our government to involve our great armed forces in this conflict at any stage.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Do you have any general comments to make?……………………………………………………………………………………………..
9.) Sunny Virk, Liberal Democratic party:
No response
End of candidates’ responses
…………………………………………..
The by election issues have focussed on:
Health
Crime and santi-social behaviour
Housing costs/availability and high interest rates
Rising costs of living and rampant energy costs
The candidates have largely avoided the influence of UK government Foreign policies on all the above issues.
The fact that a number of candidates did not understand this is poor.
The fact that many did not bother to answer the Foreign policies questions is appalling.
They basically focussed on minor points such who was going to win.
The lack of response to this questionnaire is appalling, but credit to the three candidates who did respond.
How can you be fit for office if you can be so disparaging and dismissive of important election issues?”
The candidates seem to want to only want election issues which suit them!
They need to be asked just why they avoided this issue?
It is very important to complete election questionnaires:
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 .
The government’s policies on Israel and Palestine are a potential threat to world peace.
These are major election issues!
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 is intended not just to obtain candidates’ opinions, but to open up well overdue debate on this issue.
This 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. It is not good for democracy.
Therefore, great credit is due to those who fully completed the questionnaires and those who made some further comments..
It is with dialogue that it is possible to resolve the a pressing political situation.
Another important point is if 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.
The summary of candidates’ responses was:
Five candidates not responding.
One candidate being non contactable.
Three candidates responding
Conclusions from the feedback from the questionnaire sent to all the candidates in the by-election:
- General view that Foreign policy should be reviewed.
- General view that aid for weaponry should end.
- Complete agreement on freedom of speech and debate on Ukraine issues and generally.
- General view that the UK should be a peacemaker in the Israel/Palestine situation.
It should be pointed out that the main parties supporting the UK government’s policies on Ukraine
( and indeed Israel/Palestine) did not respond to defend their party’s stances.
List of the candidates standing in Tamworth and previous election result:
| 2023 Tamworth by-election[24] | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| UKIP | Robert Bilcliff | ||||
| Conservative | Andrew Cooper | ||||
| Reform UK | Ian Cooper | New | |||
| Labour | Sarah Edwards | ||||
| Monster Raving Loony | Howling Laud Hope | New | |||
| Green | Sue Howarth | ||||
| No description | Peter Longman | New | |||
| Britain First | Ashlea Simon | New | |||
| Liberal Democrats | Sunny Virk | ||||
| Majority | |||||
| Turnout | |||||
Previous result[edit]
| General election 2019: Tamworth[25] | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| Conservative | Chris Pincher | 30,542 | 66.3 | 5.3 | |
| Labour Co-op | Chris Bain | 10,908 | 23.7 | 11.1 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Rob Wheway | 2,426 | 5.3 | 1.1 | |
| Green | Andrew Tilley | 935 | 2.0 | New | |
| UKIP | Robert Bilcliff | 814 | 1.8 | New | |
| Independent | John Wright | 431 | 0.9 | New | |
| Majority | 19,634 | 42.6 | 16.4 | ||
| Turnout | 46,056 | 64.3 | 1.8 | ||
| Conservative hold | Swing | 8.2 | |||
END
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
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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