Six MEP candidates from across the political spectrum convened last night for a special humanist hustings event at Conway Hall in central London. The event was co-organised by the British Humanist Association (BHA), European Humanist Federation (EHF), Central London Humanist Group (CLHG), and Conway Hall Ethical Society.
The hustings was chaired by BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson, and the candidates taking questions from the audience were Caroline Allen (for the Green Party), Caroline Attfield (for the Conservatives), Tony Brown (for UKIP), sitting MEP Mary Honeyball (for Labour), Dr Louise Irvine (for the National Health Action Party), and Matt McLaren (for the Liberal Democrats).
Close to 200 people turned out to hear the six candidates explain why they felt attendees should vote for them in the European elections on 22 May.
After introducing themselves, the candidates were quizzed on diverse issues including whether their parties supported calls for a secular state; what they would do to stand up for women’s rights in Europe; their attitudes to scientific evidence and evidence-based policy; and their parties’ track records on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality issues.
Other questioners put the candidates on the spot about topics such as fracking, climate change, policy areas demanding greater EU integration, and public trust in politicians.
There were huge rounds of applause when the candidates came out in favour of humanist positions. Mary Honeyball of Labour and Matt McLaren of the Liberal Democrats called for an end to reserved seating for bishops in the House of Lords. Caroline Allen of the Green Party cited that her party’s official policy was in favour of disestablishment, and stated that her party was the most ‘pro-science’. Tony Brown of UKIP said while he personally ‘admired’ the United States’ secular constitution, his party had no agreed policy on the matter. Dr Louise Irvine of the NHA Party said she was in opposition to the Government contracting out health services contracts to religious bodies. Caroline Attfield of the Conservatives also said she disagreed with the Prime Minister’s recent characterisation of Britain as a ‘Christian country’, citing the diversity of belief in Britain.
All six candidates spoke in favour of a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion, with Caroline Allen, Caroline Attfield, and Tony Brown additionally saying yes when asked whether pro-choice legislation should be a requirement for all new EU member countries. All candidates said they would oppose attacks on women’s sexual and reproductive rights in Europe, with Matt McLaren also advocating for an EU ‘action plan’ to put an end to religious female genital mutilation practices.
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For further information or comment, please contact Pavan Dhaliwal, Head of Public Affairs at pavan@humanists.uk or on 0773 843 5059
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.
The event was recorded and will be made available online soon.