Elisabeth Wilson and Lord David Shutt talking to a visitor in Shibden Park

Elisabeth said: “It’s a great way to meet people and chat to them in an informal way.  some people just say hello, and others want to ask more detailed questions about Lib Dem policies.  The more they find out, the more impressed they are with our messages about fairness in tax, a fair start for children with extra money for schools, and fair approach to the economy and more green jobs, and of course cleaning up Parliament.

Lord Shutt is chief whip for the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

Liberal Democrats held a meeting mainly for women on Thursday morning at Queens Road Neighbourhood Centre, Halifax.  Women who attended were reassured by Elisabeth Wilson, parliamentary candidate for Halifax, that Liberal Democrats are committed to keeping Sure Start and Child Tax Credits.  They also welcomed the news that under the Liberal Democrats the first £10,000 of earnings would be free of income tax, which adds up to £700 a year extra.  Feeling safe in society was another topic.  The meeting welcomed the proposed Liberal Democrat increase in West Yorkshire Police of 109, compared with the recent drop of 54 under Labour.

Fairness in education was raised by Shazad Fazal, when he explained that extra funding would be available to schools under the Liberal Democrats, £90,000 for the average primary school. The audience welcomed the idea of smaller classes, one-to-one tuition, and catch-up classes for those who need them. The need for Halifax High School to have a sixth form was also discussed. Shazad pointed out that only the Liberal Democrats are committed to the abolition of student fees.

Shazad stressed the need to develop a fair and tolerant society where there is equal opportunity and deprivation is tackled.  And Elisabeth told the women about plans to give all unemployed young people the opportunity of a job, training, education, and internship, or an apprenticeship.

Women who attended thanked the Liberal Democrats, as no other party has done this.  They were also interested to hear about Liberal Democrat’s special initiatives to help candidates from Asian and other minority ethnic bakcgounds.

The meeting was also addressed by Cllr Mohammed Ilyas, and Pauline Nash, candidate for Skircoat ward.

Elisabeth Wilson and Shazad Fazal at Beech Hill School