The Mercury Wilson’s School’s sixth-form newspaper Volume 4, Issue 8, April 2015 Editors: Max Cobain & Kyle MacNeill ELECTION SPECIAL: PARTY SUPPORTERS HAVE THEIR SAY CONSERVATIVES: KARTIK IYER LABOUR:

They also believe in a reformed EU where ROB COCHRANE Britain is able to gain the economic benefits of the single market, but is also able to re- claim power from Brussels and safeguard British interests.

The immigration system will be reformed, allowing for controlled - not mass - migra- The slogans behind Labour’s election cam- tion. EU workers who want to claim child paign may have been hammered into the benefits will have to live and work in Britain public with such blandness that they do not for at least four years. In addition, limiting naturally inspire the electorate - I’m sure net migration to the tens of thousands, that many of the ‘people at home’ are fed The Conservative party is the only party while still allowing Britain to receive the up with the relentless ‘Britain succeeds offering strong, decisive leadership com- benefits of migration. when working people succeed’ mantra - but bined with a sensible economic plan, allow- this principle does raise an important point. ing for a brighter and more secure future. “A party whose main In the last decades, and particularly the last They fully support the idea that those who five years, the gap between rich and poor work hard and do the right thing must be focus is on improving the has widened, while the number of people rewarded, whilst also caring for the weakest standard of living, rather reliant on foodbanks for emergency sup- and most vulnerable in society, enabling plies has increased from 61,468 in 2010-11 them to rise as high as their talents and than simply meeting defi- to 913,138 in 2013-14. In the race to clear effort will take them. The Conservatives cit targets, clearly has the the deficit at any cost, it is clear that serious took over at a time when the previous La- problems have emerged in society which bour government left behind a ruined econ- correct ideological must be addressed by a different approach. omy, and in five years they have turned A party whose main focus is on improving things around. Britain is now the fastest foundation.” the standard of living, rather than simply growing Western economy in the world, meeting deficit targets, clearly has the cor- with more people employed than ever be- rect ideological foundation. fore and on track to deliver a balanced budget by 2018. Crucial policies include the clampdown on The Conservative party allows people to tax avoidance and a more progressive tax The choice is clear: a Conservative govern- improve their lives and gain a stake in socie- system. Labour is right to promise to cut the ment which provides a competent econom- ty. As such they will extend the "Right to outrageous unfairness of the “non-dom” ic plan, or a Labour one which increases Buy" to 1.3m housing association homes in status, which allows someone to pay no tax taxes, borrows more and doesn’t create England, and build 200,000 homes for first- on their UK earnings if their father was born jobs. time buyers aged under 40 at 20% discount. overseas. The prevalence of tax avoidance and evasion is estimated to cost the UK over The Conservatives believe in making work The Conservatives have a plan that benefits £100bn a year, and inaction over this scan- pay. As such they will increase the tax-free everyone and at every stage of life. They are dal, while benefit changes like the Bedroom allowance to £12,500, make sure that no the only party that can continue to deliver a Tax penalises the most vulnerable, is clearly one earning minimum wage pays income strong economy, a fair taxation and welfare wrong. tax and raise the 40p tax threshold. This system, and strengthen public services. means an income tax cut for 30 million peo- They are the only party that will provide Labour has promised to clamp down on tax ple. In addition, welfare abuse will be strong, credible and decisive leadership, the avoidance and make the richest pay a high- stopped. Spending will be capped, and only party which will secure a better future er share through measures like the 50p top household benefits will be lowered to for you, your family and Britain. rate of tax and a tax on bankers’ bonuses. £23,000, but the creation of two million jobs and three million apprenticeships will Furthermore, Labour offers solutions in give everyone the opportunity to fulfil their other key areas, promising to build 200,000 potential and earn a decent living. Educa- homes a year to make up the housing short- tion and health will be improved, with 500 age in the country. Their commitment to new free schools by 2020 and an additional young people has also been set out through £8bn above inflation for the NHS. the cut in university tuition fees, and a 2 Sixth Form Mercury, April 2015 LIBERAL DEMOCRATS: MAX COBAIN Tories. We’ll finish the job, but we’ll finish it £35 million to tackle the crime around the in a way that is fair,” states their manifesto. world, including in the UK, where 24,000 women and girls are at risk of FGM. As well as providing this crucial fiscal re- sponsibility, the Liberal Democrats are  Implementation of ‘five green laws’. The- champions of the individual, and of basic se include forest preservation, planting at rights, whilst retaining a social conscience least an additional tree for every child lacking in the right-wing parties. In a word, born - about 750,000 every year - and a the Liberal Democrats represent balance. legal requirement targeted at the most polluted towns and cities to create Low Those tired of the extremes of the political Emission Zones. Those who seek an alter- spectrum, instead desiring fair policies, will native to the mainstream parties should find a natural home in the Liberal Demo- vote Lib-Dem, not Green, as they provide Why am I voting Liberal Democrat? crats. Those driven by rationality, not the an awareness of the danger of climate The Liberal Democrats are unfortunately emotive language of nationalism on the change, but also a viable fiscal plan. not a party with a large enough share of the right or idealism on the left, should vote vote to lead a government. Therefore, I am Liberal Democrat.  Equality of opportunity. Liberal Democrats not here to attempt to persuade you to vote believe that all people deserve the right to for them as a majority party, but to provide What are their policies? opportunities in life. Starting with educa- common sense to a coalition. In addition to their key policy of balancing tion, the Liberal Democrats aim to end the books, they seek to create a fairer, more illiteracy and innumeracy by 2025; to A Tory-led government needs to be limited equal society, protect individual rights, and protect the education budget from cuts; in their cuts to public services by the ‘heart’ protect the environment. and to double the numbers of businesses of the Lib-Dems, and a Labour-led govern- hiring apprentices. Furthermore, the Lib- ment needs to be limited in their spending  Reduce the burden on those least well eral Democrats will protect crucial public by the responsible ‘brain’. off:.Liberal Democrats believe that cutting services such as the NHS, pledging an the deficit should be done through poli- additional £8bn, and finally recognising The deficit is one of the most important cies which fairly tax those with the most, mental health as an important an issue as issues currently facing Britain, with parties not the poorest. They will do this by rais- physical health. clambering over themselves to pledge £8 ing the Personal Allowance to £12,500 billion to the NHS (but not mentioning that whilst introducing a general anti- £40 billion a year is spent on interest on avoidance rule which would outlaw struc- debt caused by the government spending tures designed to avoid tax. deficit).  The protection of individual rights. For “The Liberal Democrats will borrow less example, breaking the taboo on Female than Labour, but we’ll cut less than the Genital Mutilation (FGM), providing up to LABOUR (CONTD.) VOTING: CHARLIE STEWART pledge to guarantee a job for under 25s out of work for over a year. It is clear that Labour is offering a fair plan for the future, based on equality in the economy and solutions for problems deeply affecting our generation.

The main attacks on the Labour party argue that the party has retained the irresponsible spending of Gordon Brown’s tenure. Despite the dubiousness of this assertion, (Britain was victim to a worldwide economic crisis), it is clear that the Labour has genuinely changed from ‘New Labour’ and can be trusted as the governing party. The smear directed towards Ed Miliband has portrayed him as either the ‘irresponsible’ mould of Brown, or bizarrely, that he is the complete opposite from New Labour - the Communist monster ‘Red Ed’.

I support Labour because it is the only viable, realistic option for a progressive government to address the issues of unfairness in society. 3 Sixth Form Mercury, April 2015 GREEN PARTY: KYLE MACNEILL Over the last few decades, there has been a In terms of electoral reforms, the Greens tendency to see the Green Party as nothing want to get rid of the ‘first past the post’ more than a political joke: a hyper left-wing system. Of course, a change to the system party of tree-huggers and reptile- would benefit the party - but it would also conspiracists. make a much fairer political environment. Considering that the Liberal Democrats and Yet to think like that is to be stuck long in the Labour had vote percentages of 23% and 29% past. Flaws in the Greens’ ideology and or- yet seats of 258 and 57 in the 2010 General ganisation have long been ironed out, to cre- Election, this highlights the fact that ‘first past ate one of the most progressive and relevant the post’ is unjust. political developments in recent times. The fact that just one week in January saw 13,274 The Greens also want to implement reforms people join the Green Party is testament to that are designed to help young people. the fact that disillusionment with the political elites has led to a growing number of differ- Scrapping tuition fees, spending more on ent ideas. mental health and saving £600 million a year through scrapping the ‘Help To Buy’ scheme Unlike Labour, the Green Party has focused are all highly progressive, but also highly on standing for the ‘common good’, with a poverty and debt has grown, that seems a effective sounding. modern ideology mixing ecology, social de- pretty valid argument. mocracy and protecting minorities. There is a It is true that - apart from the slim chance of strong emphasis on protecting public services Although the major parties seem to have featuring as part of a Rainbow Coalition with and the arts, giving better rights to disabled unnervingly similar policies on key issues, the Labour and the SNP - the Greens have little people (two thirds of those paying the Greens stand apart in many of the ideas they chance of making political impact at this elec- ‘bedroom tax’ are disabled) and LGBT com- wish to implement. Many people will dismiss tion. It is likely that they will retain Brighton munities, as well as protecting the environ- their policies as ‘uncosted’, without actually Pavillion, led by Caroline Lucas, who won MP ment through forward-looking methods. batting an eye at their manifesto, which clear- of the year 2014 and has extensively fought ly outlines progressive economic policies such against Page 3, for example. Their view is that austerity is not working - as a ‘Robin Hood Tax’ - which would make and considering that the top 1% of the popu- £20bn from taxing all financial transactions But with the ‘Green Surge’ still pushing new lation has the same wealth as the bottom by 0.01% - and making huge savings through members and ideas to the forefront, it’s time 55%, one in four children are growing up in scrapping Trident and HS2. to vote for change and give Green a chance. UKIP: CHARLIE FRANCOMBE Since the fall of Margaret Thatcher, British politics If, like me, you believe in freedom, ambition, and a has been left with a void in terms of National Con- powerful nation, then you should vote UKIP. UKIP is servatism. the party that believes in Britain, it’s the party that believes in Britons and it’s the party that believes in UKIP is the solution to this void: a grassroots move- you. ment that stands for personal freedom, economic responsibility and patriotism. Key Policies: - Remove Britain from the European Union. The Conservatism is not an ideology but the natural European union has removed Britain’s ability to progression of man, aiming for a stronger and make its own laws, control its borders and trade greater future. However this message of aspiration freely with the world. Only by leaving the Europe- and freedom has been lost. Britain has regressed as an Union and restoring our national sovereignty a nation, losing political power to Brussels, eco- will Britain be restored to its rightful place as a nomic dominance to Asia and personal freedom to leading power. political correctness. If Britain continues on its current track it will fail to exist as a nation. - Control Britain’s Borders. UKIP will introduce an Australian-style “points system”, allowing only It’s time to take our power back. It’s time to take the most skilled individuals into the country, our freedom back. It’s time to vote UKIP. ending the uncertainty of open borders and pro- tecting the interests of the British people. The party has gained a foothold in parliament and may hold the balance of power come May 7. The Conservatism is not an - Cut taxes. Reducing the burden on families by banners of purple and yellow carry a message that ideology but the natural raising the tax-free allowance to £13,500, raising resonates across the country, from Land’s End to the 40p rate of tax to £55,000 and cutting busi- John O’Groats: a message of hope and freedom progression of man, aiming for ness rates for all business. Britain succeeds when unparalleled by any other party. a stronger and greater future. everyone has more money in their pockets.

UKIP offers a future for all Britons- not the lies, - Support the NHS. Eight billion extra a year will be debt and tyranny of the Westminster elite. provided to ensure the health service remains “free at the point of use”.

- Support British Culture. Ending the hunting ban, ending the smoking ban, supporting patriotism. 4 Sixth Form Mercury, April 2015 STYLE ICON: ELECTION SPECIAL LINDEN HOGARTH

There is no question that David Cameron has mas- Recently, Miliband’s style even seems to have tered sartorial elegance – although this is easy to transformed him into an unlikely sex symbol, with achieve when he’s only ever seen in a dark navy so called ‘Milifandom’ sweeping social networks. suit, white shirt, and midnight blue tie. Just like the values his party stands for, Nick Clegg Cameron’s hairstyle has also proved a key talking seems to dwell in the centre of stylish acceptability. point, causing controversy when he changed the side of his parting in 2010. His hairdresser has even However, past the masses of pale blue shirts, Clegg been awarded an MBE, with some claiming Camer- has had his moments. His most infamous fashion on’s quiff is inspired by Johnny Cash. blunder came in 2014. In the spirit of keeping poli- tics fresh and new, Clegg changed outfits four times Casual wear seems to prove more challenging, in one day, finally deciding on a questionable pair however, with Cameron admitting that his wife of boot-cut jeans. Who knew he was such a diva? runs his wardrobe. Occasionally, though, he evades Samantha’s grasp, and gleefully dons his beloved Along with this ‘trousergate’ scandal, Clegg has Aston Villa shirt. Or should that be West Ham? recently been accused of following ‘gansta’ fashion, and has even been called a ‘roadman’, after a pic- With all of Ed Miliband’s attempts to separate ture emerged on Twitter showing the Lib Dem himself from Cameron, you’d assume he would at leader wearing a North Face jacket. Quite how the least wear different clothes. Unfortunately on one practical outdoorsy brand has bought him so much occasion the two leaders were spotted wearing the street cred, no one knows. exact same jeans, shirt and jumper combination. Miliband even opts for similar ties, as he is yet to Unlike the other leaders, Nigel Farage does not wear a red tie on the campaign, prompting claims always conform to traditional political dress. His that he is ashamed of Labour’s socialist roots. choice of suit is far more adventurous, often opting for pinstripe or window pane jackets. Furthermore, Miliband tends not to go tieless - or even jacketless - perhaps in a bid to make himself Farage’s ties have also proved interesting, his most look more prime ministerial, after his method of famous being one of the Bayeux tapestry, which eating a bacon sandwich caused worry about his subsequently sold out from a number of online suitability for the role. shops. The Independent has even suggested that Farage’s ‘fuddy duddy’ style, complete with cordu- roy, tweed and a lot of mustard, is a conscious decision to present himself as the quintessential English gent.

Green leader Natalie Bennett is fairly new to the scene but has made her mark with an impressive collection of slightly different coloured blazers (none of which, ironically, appear to be green). Bennett wore the same outfit for both televised debates, including a necklace that some have claimed to be a good luck charm. She may need it.