Esther Rantzen

On the 9^th December we twitterviewed (interview via Twitter) Esther Rantzen(@Esther4Luton).  Esther is running for Parliament as an independent candidate in the seat vacated by the Labour MP Margaret Moran who is standing down at the next election because of her role in the MPs expenses scandal.

The rules of the twitterview are simple; we ask a question in a single tweet and replies must also be in a single tweet.  For anyone who doesn’t use Twitter, a tweet is limited to 140 characters.

A transcript of the twitterview follows (questions are in bold):

Q1. What is your opinion of partisan politics?
Party politics are crucial to a Parliamentary system but independent politicians can provide vital life experience, checks and balances.

Q2. If you had been an MP is 2003, would you have voted to go to war with Iraq?
I’d like to have asked more searching questions so decisions would be based on accurate information just now coming to light.

Q2 (Cont). But is it fair to criticise politicians for trusting MI6, given the information it provided at the time?
When taking country to war, every assumption must be queried and missiles launching in 45 mins = extraordinary claim.

Q3. Where do you stand on the emerging ‘class war’ at the forthcoming election?
Can’t believe anyone would disinter bones of this dinosaur but aware we live in unequal society. Easy but archaic tactic.

Q4. As an Independent, how will you influence the Government for the benefit of your constituents in Luton South?
Using contacts, publicity & political argument as I have in past. Have hit ground running & already proving effective.

Q5. How would you tackle the UK’s budget deficit?
Target benefits. Delay IT £. Sack consultants. Encourage ideas re savings from front line workers. Re-examine taxes.

Q6. What are your views on Jack Straw’s electoral reform proposal to replace 1st past the post with the alternative vote?
Against that proposal. Too complex. As a floating voter, I believe first past the post has worked. No system is without flaws.

Q7. Should there be greater restrictions on immigration and if so, what types of restrictions?
Favour amnesty on previous immigrants & asylum seekers, but strict future points system on skills for inward. Tough but fair.

Q8. Should the government have held a referendum on the Lisbon treaty and how would you have voted in that referendum?
No. Yes.

Q9. If you could pass any law through parliament, what would that law be?
I have ideas for changing treatment of child witnesses in courts & I would look at careful legalisation of assisted dying.

Q10. Is it fair to restrict by law or through additional taxation the pay of bankers?
Fear law of unintended consequences. Bank industry crucial, its culture = appalling. Until £ repaid, fair to regulate.

Thanks to Esther Rantzen for her participation and thanks to all of our Twitter followers for their questions.  Our next twitterview is on Monday 14^th December at 5.30pm with the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Eric Pickles MP.  If you have any questions you would like us to ask Eric then please email to info@thinkpolitics.co.uk remembering to make it clear in the email that it is a question for the Eric Pickles twitterview.