Published in North Somerset Times (page 5) and Nailsea People.

North Somerset Labour Party sets out its stall in Nailsea

Climate change and environment, access to the NHS, and distrust of politicians were Nailsea residents’ three biggest national issues when polled at a street stall last Saturday (September 16).

Activists from North Somerset Constituency Labour Party spent the morning talking to shoppers to gauge public opinion on various national issues. The climate, the NHS, trust in politicians, education, and the cost-of-living were foremost in public opinion. Less prioritised issues included defence and security, crime, and immigration and asylum. This comes as polls show Labour is now well-placed to out-seat North Somerset MP Dr Liam Fox at the next election.

Passers-by were also asked their opinion on various government policies. Nailsea residents universally rejected the Conservatives’ record on child poverty, NHS waiting lists, oil drilling, school buildings and PPE fraud. Not a single person endorsed the Conservative policies presented.

Shoppers were eager to share their opinions on local Conservative MP Dr Liam Fox. Members of the public were unanimously against Dr Fox’s vote allowing sewage pollution. One man shared his disapproval of the £30,000 received by Dr Fox from a controversial PR firm in one of his many second jobs.

Hildegard Dumper, North Somerset Labour Party Activist, said: We were delighted at the willingness of Nailsea shoppers to engage with us. We got a real sense that there is a thirst for change and for a government that will take action on the things that matter such as the environment, health and the cost of living. We feel it is only Labour that can make the changes people are looking for.

Maria Scott, Vice Chair North Somerset Labour Party, said: Many people gave us thumbs up and said they would be voting Labour. One gentleman talked about his dismay on hearing of Liam Fox’s substantial payments from a controversial PR company, and about his surprise when told by the MP’s office that he was the only constituent who had expressed any concern. One older lady said she has always voted Conservative, but at the last General Election, for the first time, she didn’t feel like she could vote Conservative anymore.