Hi Michael. Well my economics differ from Reform in that they are neoliberals and Thatcherites, and I am more to the left. I have a lot in common with Reform but not on this, I also like to be responsible for my own actions and answerable to nobody, and I know there is a real taste for independent candidates in the area. Also at the time I decided Farage was nowhere to be seen, which made them less appealing. I'm very surprised they ended up not fielding anyone, but I will endeavour to represent their much needed social views, and hopefully attract their voters.
I think if you get in contact with them and get a different type of endorsement where you still remain independent that would be a good idea while still letting them know your independence. But it’s up to you, I think I’ll have to vote for you because I will no longer vote for the uniparty. Or an economic migrant named Neil Hudson!
I am totally against yet another ‘ imported candidate’ standing in what is perceived as a safe Tory seat. Supporting a ‘local’ person who will fight for OUR interests as against towing the party line makes the most sense. What ever your view, do cast your vote. Do not assume the outcome is already decided.
Hello Ed, I have just read your piece on immigration and believe it is very well thought through. I have reposted it on various social media platforms:
Hello Ed. I'm curious about how you would back up that immigration is as big an issue as the media makes it out to be. The NHS Confederation (see below) suggest that immigration is a net positive for NHS given the struggle to fill vacancies. Although the immigration figures do seem high, how is it that despite this the NHS struggles to fill tens of thousands of vacancies? Is it really an immigration problem or an underlying issue of inequality where social services are just not able to provide sufficient financial security to those employed?
Apologies for being verbose but I would really appreciate a take on this, I can't get a clear or balanced answer from anyone.
Well we do have to fund things properly as well. This has not been happening. When you then bring in a million people a year, no public service can properly function, something has to give. With the NHS, we should be training our own people to do those jobs, and I would bring back the bursary to help nurses train. We should also be getting skill-based immigration for the health service while we take the time to train British workers. So immigration is not the only issue affecting public services by any means. There has been a bad culture towards them for ages.
Immigration as a whole is a net loss economically. This is because a lot of migrants and their families are dependent on the state, or are unskilled and not bringing much revenue in. But aside of economics it has cultural effects as well, which also concern me. Overall, in these numbers - unlike pre-1997 levels - immigration has been a disaster. All I want is it back to sensible levels, and for our country to preserve its norms and its culture.
Hi Ben. As far as I can tell the controversy is quite overblown. The supposed 'earthquakes' caused by it are tiny (like a big bag of sugar hitting the floor). It also is done with great success in other places, such as the USA. Therefore it would at least be worth trying at a small level to see it these problems manifest. which I am fairly confident they won't. Of course everything needs full scrutiny and caution - nuclear also. But my feeling is that the anti-fossil fuel lobby have tried to demonise the process simply because they don't want any more fossil fuels extracted.
Yes of course. It needs much better funding and management. We also need a system which encourages people to be the best they can be and get into work or community activities if they can, giving them the required support to achieve this. There does need to be caution taken against any kind of fraud, which of course is another aspect of fairness.
So much said Ed with no mention of the ongoing Israel war on Palestine. What is your stance on this ongoing conflict and what is your plan should you win in this constituency?
On one hand my focus is much closer to home, and British problems. That said I do have a position.
My position is that Israel had to respond to the Hamas attacks, but that it's gone too far now. Civilians need safe zones to go to and aid supplies. There should be a ceasefire until at least this is secured.
Hamas has caused this catastrophe by its reckless actions - something Fatah and others have pointed out - and thus it should be removed by the Palestinian people (easier said than done). There should be a two state solution and economic development of Gaza to prevent radicalisation of young men by offering them opportunity.
I could not deliver this as a lowly MP, but I would make these points for whoever was listening in Parliament and the government.
Hamas have threatened to continue its 7th October attacks until every Israeli is iradiicated from Israel which only occupies 0.09% of the Middle East. Biden’s latest policy on arms supply has been given more impetus to Hamas. I cannot imagine any other country in the World allowing such atrocities to happen in their Countries. Hamas are using their people to strengthen support. They have no regard for human life. They are stealing all the aid supplied , mostly by Israel. This war will continue unless other Countries support Israel to destroy Hamas not the Palestinian people. Hamas leaders live in Qatar and are billionaires whilst their people suffer from lack of infrastructure . They were losing popularity of their own people and they used their atrocities in Israel to increase their popularity. Their propaganda is winning. Ed, what do you say to all of this.
Hamas absolutely have to go. This current situation is down to their cowardly and degenerate attacks on innocent civilians. They should let all the hostages go if they really want this to stop, but they don't care about the catastrophe happening to their own people. That said, I do want to see a resolution to this tragedy and the Palestinian innocents given the aid and respite they need. July 7th does not allow carte blanche to Israel, although they did have to respond robustly as I've said.
The latter, but I do have personal positions and was asked about one. Clearly what I say, even if I win, will not change the situation between two old opponents. Same goes for Ukraine, there needs to be a settlement and an end to the carnage, but I am in no position to achieve one.
Thanks for sharing your view point. My comment was intended for Mr Hunt as I don’t understand how your position - regardless what it is - has any relevance to this election. I feel the topic is being used for political point scoring rather than actually achieve anything. Nonetheless I appreciate your candid answer and wish you good luck at the elections.
Do your best to get your name out there Ed. I think you have a genuinely popular platform on which to stand and a historic opportunity to challenge the status quo in Epping Forest. You've won my vote. Best of luck.
Why did you not run under reform. Which I just found out the PPC for reform dropped out probably to aid Neil Hudson of Cumbria.
Hi Michael. Well my economics differ from Reform in that they are neoliberals and Thatcherites, and I am more to the left. I have a lot in common with Reform but not on this, I also like to be responsible for my own actions and answerable to nobody, and I know there is a real taste for independent candidates in the area. Also at the time I decided Farage was nowhere to be seen, which made them less appealing. I'm very surprised they ended up not fielding anyone, but I will endeavour to represent their much needed social views, and hopefully attract their voters.
Yes, my feelings about Reform as well, and that of many fellow SDP members like me.
I think if you get in contact with them and get a different type of endorsement where you still remain independent that would be a good idea while still letting them know your independence. But it’s up to you, I think I’ll have to vote for you because I will no longer vote for the uniparty. Or an economic migrant named Neil Hudson!
The word has gone out to local Reformers that I'm their man. Can't be done officially, of course.
I wish you all the very best, Ed. I shall certainly be voting for you.
Roger.
Many thanks, Roger. Let's see how many I get!
I am totally against yet another ‘ imported candidate’ standing in what is perceived as a safe Tory seat. Supporting a ‘local’ person who will fight for OUR interests as against towing the party line makes the most sense. What ever your view, do cast your vote. Do not assume the outcome is already decided.
Thanks Michael!
Hello Ed, I have just read your piece on immigration and believe it is very well thought through. I have reposted it on various social media platforms:
https://sdp.org.uk/sdptalk/migrant-crisis-solutions-ed-pond/
Hello Ed. I'm curious about how you would back up that immigration is as big an issue as the media makes it out to be. The NHS Confederation (see below) suggest that immigration is a net positive for NHS given the struggle to fill vacancies. Although the immigration figures do seem high, how is it that despite this the NHS struggles to fill tens of thousands of vacancies? Is it really an immigration problem or an underlying issue of inequality where social services are just not able to provide sufficient financial security to those employed?
Apologies for being verbose but I would really appreciate a take on this, I can't get a clear or balanced answer from anyone.
https://www.nhsconfed.org/articles/immigration-harming-nhs
Well we do have to fund things properly as well. This has not been happening. When you then bring in a million people a year, no public service can properly function, something has to give. With the NHS, we should be training our own people to do those jobs, and I would bring back the bursary to help nurses train. We should also be getting skill-based immigration for the health service while we take the time to train British workers. So immigration is not the only issue affecting public services by any means. There has been a bad culture towards them for ages.
Immigration as a whole is a net loss economically. This is because a lot of migrants and their families are dependent on the state, or are unskilled and not bringing much revenue in. But aside of economics it has cultural effects as well, which also concern me. Overall, in these numbers - unlike pre-1997 levels - immigration has been a disaster. All I want is it back to sensible levels, and for our country to preserve its norms and its culture.
Could you elaborate on why you think fracking shale gas should be trialled given the controversy surrounding it?
Hi Ben. As far as I can tell the controversy is quite overblown. The supposed 'earthquakes' caused by it are tiny (like a big bag of sugar hitting the floor). It also is done with great success in other places, such as the USA. Therefore it would at least be worth trying at a small level to see it these problems manifest. which I am fairly confident they won't. Of course everything needs full scrutiny and caution - nuclear also. But my feeling is that the anti-fossil fuel lobby have tried to demonise the process simply because they don't want any more fossil fuels extracted.
Hi Ed, Do you believe in a fair welfare system to help our vulnerable and disabled?
Yes of course. It needs much better funding and management. We also need a system which encourages people to be the best they can be and get into work or community activities if they can, giving them the required support to achieve this. There does need to be caution taken against any kind of fraud, which of course is another aspect of fairness.
So much said Ed with no mention of the ongoing Israel war on Palestine. What is your stance on this ongoing conflict and what is your plan should you win in this constituency?
On one hand my focus is much closer to home, and British problems. That said I do have a position.
My position is that Israel had to respond to the Hamas attacks, but that it's gone too far now. Civilians need safe zones to go to and aid supplies. There should be a ceasefire until at least this is secured.
Hamas has caused this catastrophe by its reckless actions - something Fatah and others have pointed out - and thus it should be removed by the Palestinian people (easier said than done). There should be a two state solution and economic development of Gaza to prevent radicalisation of young men by offering them opportunity.
I could not deliver this as a lowly MP, but I would make these points for whoever was listening in Parliament and the government.
Hamas have threatened to continue its 7th October attacks until every Israeli is iradiicated from Israel which only occupies 0.09% of the Middle East. Biden’s latest policy on arms supply has been given more impetus to Hamas. I cannot imagine any other country in the World allowing such atrocities to happen in their Countries. Hamas are using their people to strengthen support. They have no regard for human life. They are stealing all the aid supplied , mostly by Israel. This war will continue unless other Countries support Israel to destroy Hamas not the Palestinian people. Hamas leaders live in Qatar and are billionaires whilst their people suffer from lack of infrastructure . They were losing popularity of their own people and they used their atrocities in Israel to increase their popularity. Their propaganda is winning. Ed, what do you say to all of this.
Hamas absolutely have to go. This current situation is down to their cowardly and degenerate attacks on innocent civilians. They should let all the hostages go if they really want this to stop, but they don't care about the catastrophe happening to their own people. That said, I do want to see a resolution to this tragedy and the Palestinian innocents given the aid and respite they need. July 7th does not allow carte blanche to Israel, although they did have to respond robustly as I've said.
Why is this of any relevance to the people of Epping Forest? Are we interested in virtue signalling politics, or actual, local issues?
The latter, but I do have personal positions and was asked about one. Clearly what I say, even if I win, will not change the situation between two old opponents. Same goes for Ukraine, there needs to be a settlement and an end to the carnage, but I am in no position to achieve one.
Thanks for sharing your view point. My comment was intended for Mr Hunt as I don’t understand how your position - regardless what it is - has any relevance to this election. I feel the topic is being used for political point scoring rather than actually achieve anything. Nonetheless I appreciate your candid answer and wish you good luck at the elections.
Thanks Echa. Yeah I did know it was directed at Mike, but I wanted to respond anyway :)
Do your best to get your name out there Ed. I think you have a genuinely popular platform on which to stand and a historic opportunity to challenge the status quo in Epping Forest. You've won my vote. Best of luck.
Thanks very much Dan - yes, I am trying to speak to as many residents as possible.
For balance, I disagree with almost every view you hold. Thanks for sharing though.
OK, that's allowed! Thanks for reading.
Good for you. I agree with virtually every word you have said.
Thanks Marcos!