23/04/2010 by Steve Barclay.

Off to Cambridge to the new studios of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire for a debate which was very well hosted by Andie Harper.  It was good to see the other candidates and have a chat, as for all the differences between the parties we are going through a common experience as candidates.

Immigration dominated the discussion.  Whilst there have been benefits to immigration, it is too high and we need to reduce it.  Conservative plans for a cap on immigration are well received on the doorstep.  It is clear that Labour have failed to tackle this issue, with a massive increase in immigration combined with pressure on public services.  Abuses are still continuing, like the student visa scheme and as a result of their weak border controls.  The Lib Dem position of an amnesty for illegal immigrants and allowing more immigration into regions will make matters worse.  How will they stop people moving from one region to another?

Other issues raised by listeners including anti-social behaviour, with criminal damage a problem in March.  Too often offenders just walk away with an £80 caution - far less than the cost of replacing broken windows.  We also discussed the power of supermarkets, and measures to get the rural economy moving.  Stopping the National Insurance rise which is tax on jobs is a key difference between the Conservatives and the other parties.

In Chatteris in the afternoon after the debate, several people remarked that they had just heard me on the radio.  It is always surprising how many people locally listen in, and it certainly means you get quick feedback.

Steve pictured with Andie Harper at the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire studio

The Parliamentary Candidates for North East Cambridgeshire
in the studio at BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
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25/02/2010 by Steve Barclay.

When the Conservatives proposed a freeze in the television licence fee, it was met with strong BBC protests that this would mean cuts to front line programmes.  So it is interesting to read today’s National Audit Office report.

The BBC have spent £1.6 million on a new statue by a Canadian artist, and a further £900,000 on another piece by a Spanish artist. Last time I was in the Cambs Times office, they seemed to manage to report the news well without such artist works.  Perhaps Mr Elworthy should be asking head office to splash out on expensive art as a key job requirement to brighten up his cigarette break?!

The report also reveals that the refurbishment of Broadcasting House is four years behind schedule and £55 million over budget. It will not be competed now until April 2013, costing £1,050,000,000. Likewise the refurbishment of their Scotish HQ is £62 million over budget, at a cost of £188,000,000.   Something to ponder when next paying your licence fee or watching a repeat on tv.

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23/01/2008 by Steve Barclay.

Lunch with a difference today as BBC Cambridgeshire had been in touch and wanted to conduct an interview on the phone.  So instead of the usual sandwich at my desk, I found myself chatting to listeners across Cambridgeshire about Saturday’s selection.

The BBC had heard that the Party had thrown open the doors to anyone from the area who wanted to attend and vote.  It did not matter if they were Conservative members or even Conservative voters. It is a new approach in UK politics - and a good one in my view (and not just because I was selected!) Everyone in the community had the opportunity to come along, ask a question, and vote for a candidate - rather than choosing only between political parties at the General Election. As a Conservative I think more choice is a good thing, and it is great to see this in action. After chatting on the radio about the process of becoming a candidate, and what tricky questions we were all asked, it is back to the day job.

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