THE Parliamentary candidates for Bromsgrove faced questions and concerns from residents at a hustings event earlier today (Saturday, November 30).

Prospective MPs battled it out as they tackled key issues surrounding the General Election, from Brexit to climate change, on a panel at Bromsgrove Baptist Church.

The panel was formed of Sajid Javid of the Conservatives, Rory Shannon of the Labour Party, Dr David Nicholl of the Liberal Democrats, and Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Wyre Forest John Davis representing absent Bromsgrove candidate Kevin White.

The debate was chaired by Rev David Ford and questions raised were previously submitted by the public.

The panellists were initially asked to explain their integrity, skillsets and trust if elected as MP.

Mr Shannon said that “whoever is elected Bromsgrove MP needs to believe in Bromsgrove.”

Mr Javid said that Bromsgrove has become his home. He said: “I listen and try my best for the people of Bromsgrove.”

Discussing his own integrity, Dr Nicholl said: “As a doctor, the first rule I have is, when I make a mistake, I hold my hand up, tell my patient, and find a way through.”

The hot topic of climate change was put to the panel, with all candidates acknowledging this as a challenge to commit to.

Mr Javid said he wants to ensure Britain becomes the “greenest economy in the world.”

Mr Davis from the Green Party stressed that they have answers in solving the climate crisis and pointed towards energy efficient housing.

Dr Nicholl said that more needs to be done on a local level to tackle the issue and Mr Shannon from Labour said his party want to help in creating a “green revolution.”

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Candidates Sajid Javid of the Conservatives, Rory Shannon of the Labour Party and Dr David Nicholl of the Liberal Democrats and Kevin White of the Green Party Candidates Sajid Javid of the Conservatives, Rory Shannon of the Labour Party and Dr David Nicholl of the Liberal Democrats and Kevin White of the Green Party

Discussion over Brexit garnered an emotional response from audience members at the packed-out church.

Mr Shannon explained that Labour intend to put the issue of Brexit “back to the people” in a second referendum after calling the current situation a “mess”.

Mr Javid said British people “gave their instructions” and criticised the liberal Democrats for “ignoring the referendum”.

Dr Nicholl raised concerns about some issues surrounding Brexit, which he says wasn't talked about prior to the referendum.

Audience member Mandy Childs, who was previously announced as the Brexit Party’s Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Bromsgrove, directed a question towards Mr Javid which criticised the way Brexit was being carried out.

The four were each asked what local issue they would prioritise if elected. Dr Nicholl pointed to improving the A38, Mr Shannon highlighted infrastructure for housing, Mr Javid said he wants “world class public services,” and Mr Davis said he wants to see more youth clubs and energy efficient homes in Bromsgrove.

Other discussion points included the NHS, the economy, housing and social justice in Bromsgrove.

The candidates were finally asked by the Rev David Ford to say one or two words they would like the audience to think about before the upcoming general election on Thursday, December 12.

Mr Javid said, “move forward,” Mr Shannon said, “real change,” Mr Davis said "a billion trees" and Dr Nicholl said “integrity”.