Katy Pritchard

Statement to voters

As an Independent, I will promote the best interests of our area without concern for party lines. If elected I would: Advocate investment in early years and reform to schools funding to address inequality A fairer country is a healthier, happier and more productive one. Time and time again research has proven that this can be achieved through investment in early years. Smaller class sizes and effective funding are core to this. I firmly believe that PHSE (Personal, Social and Health Education) should be made statutory and standardised to ensure effective education for life-long benefit. Support your right to make an informed choice on Brexit I recognise that once Article 50 has been triggered, treaty terms will cease after 2 years and that, as the situation stands, this decision must be respected as final. As such, all any candidate can do (regardless of their personal opinion) is to ensure that the best possible outcome is agreed for their constituents. I am aware that the Lib Dems would offer a second referendum – however this would be reliant upon EU states agreeing to a change to the normal Article 50 procedures. Should a second referendum be offered by the EU prior to final disengagement, then I would fully support a referendum on the final deal offered. You were trusted to make the right call without the information: why shouldn’t you be trusted to make the right choice again, to ensure that we can be certain that we have made a fully informed choice: based upon considering if the offering in front of us offers a better deal for local residents than continued EU membership. Access to the European Arrest Warrant, protection of employment rights and customs processes would be key concerns for me in the Brexit process. Promote the needs of rural areas in the South West, particularly around transportation issues I love this area, I grew up in a village the far side of Sherborne and regularly came into Yeovil (though getting a bus wasn’t easy!). I know how hard it is to get around; how this can make finding a job next to impossible; and how neglected the area’s transportation systems feel. This area is too often over looked as central government focuses on big industry in the North East – where networks already far out pass ours. I am keen to ensure that robust public transport is in place, and given the lack of this, I support the plans to upgrade the A303 to dual carriageway. I am familiar with this stretch of road (I spent a year commuting to Blackbrook Business Park in Taunton) and I have reviewed the consultation papers around the schemes. I have concluded that the scheme has been developed in as sensitive a manner as possible and would lead to improvements in road safety and air quality. I will continue to argue for free transport for those under the age of 18. I will campaign for improvements to road safety. Support sustainability initiatives and encourage brown-field development to help protect our unique landscape We cannot turn a blind eye to the environment: renewable power is preferable to unsightly and unsustainable fossil fuels. Whilst there is a growing need for (particularly affordable and social) housing, this should always be sought on brownfield sites first. Encourage early intervention to minimise the strain on social services Through my mentoring work, I am acutely aware of the volume of work on social services and recognise that the best way to tackle this is through early intervention – to stop people reaching crisis points. Right-to-buy has reduced the housing stock available: a sustainable approach should be taken to address this to ensure that supply meets demand. I would seek to ensure that pensioners are not adversely affected by policy changes, where they made decisions which seemed right at the time. Ensure under 18s have a say in their future I am an advocate of votes at 16. Having been politically aware since childhood, I do not believe in patronising under 18s: their voice is crucial in directing the future of this country and listening is part of our responsibility in a democratic society. Preventing the use of mosquito devices I believe that legislation should be introduced banning the use of mosquito devices (designed to specifically irritate the hearing range of younger people and prevent them from gathering in public areas): we cannot justify treating younger people as second class citizens. Foreign Policy and Defence I would support maintaining the NATO spending requirements of 2% of GDP. I believe that diplomacy should always be explored before force. Since my late teens I have represented my family at a WWII Squadron Reunion: what hits me every time is how strongly the desire for the survivors is simply for peace and understanding: to avoid any more hurt and bloodshed. In line with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, I do not support the renewal of Trident. I would support the UN target of 0.7% of GNI being spent on foreign aid: whilst it is of course essential that we look after our own citizens, we cannot deny our human responsibility to mankind. This spend should of course be subject to close monitoring to ensure that it is effective and above board. We should play our part where people are in need by offering a safe sanctuary, and I support changes to asylum processes to ensure that applicants can contribute to society instead of being a financial burden. Whilst border security is essential and requires improved monitoring, I would support a system which supports movement of people with appropriate solutions to ensure that this is not exploited. Changes to Higher and Further Education My experience of university education revealed a system with little commitment to undergraduate students: minimal contact time, untrained teachers and disproportionate fees. I would therefore suggest reforms to include greater inspection and regulation of universities, shorter courses with increased contact time, and the abolition of fees for selected courses – recognising the need to support STEM and healthcare subjects. Maintenance grants should be available, with an accurate means testing method. Whilst good apprenticeship schemes can offer a real opportunity, too often apprentices are the “cheap labour” option: safeguards must be in place to avoid this situation. Giving Employment Security A Living Wage should be just that: the living wage should be brought in line with independently identified levels, or renamed as the minimum wage. Protection of workers rights should be a key concern in the Brexit process. The Economy A strong economy supports public services. Having worked in several start-up companies I know the need for supporting new industry and would seek accessible schemes to share knowledge and offer supports for new businesses. During my time at the London School of Economics I developed a basic understanding of economic principles: how state intervention in business must be minimal for the current model to work. I would support regulations around business which ensure that consumer and employee rights are protected. As Brexit proceeds the is opportunity for the reform of public procurement directives, and I would bring my applied knowledge of this legislation in my current role to the table. Industry and agriculture are big employers in the area (for example Numatic in Chard and Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil). The duty of an MP to represent the needs of constituents therefore requires an understanding of the needs of these employers and I would welcome open and transparent dialogue with local businesses. The NHS I currently work in purchasing in the NHS: supporting the administration of legally compliant procurement which offer the tax payer value for money. Prior to this I was on fixed term contracts, one supporting training across NHS organisations and one leading a Continuing Healthcare administration team. I have therefore seen the NHS in operation from several angles and am aware of the current state of the system. I would bring this knowledge to inform parliamentary debate: crucially to argue for a period during which Sustainability and Transformation Partnership / Five Year Forward View changes can be properly assessed, before any further large scale changes are enforced.

Election history

Westminster general elections