WHO IS CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON?
Christopher Thompson is the candidate for the Rejoin EU party in the 2024 UK General Election. Christopher is from Brierfield and lives with his wife Rebecca in Barnoldswick.
He attended Walter St school, now Pendle Primary Academy, Brierfield, before going on to study Physics and Electronic Engineering and returning to the area to become a Science and Maths teacher at Colne Primet Academy. He now works for The Heights Free school in Blackburn, teaching Maths.
WHAT DOES HE SAY?
"As a lifelong resident of Pendle, I cherish our community's beauty and potential. With a background as an electrician and now a physics and Maths teacher, I understand the importance of education and economic stability.I am running with the Rejoin EU Party to restore the UK's EU rights and freedoms, which I believe are essential for accessing the European job market, supporting local businesses, reducing travel chaos, and improving our international standing.By voting for me, you support a future where Pendle and Clitheroe thrive economically and socially."
PENDLE INSIDER Q&A:
1. We believe this is your first time standing for election. Please could you tell us what experience in politics you have had before and why did you decide to stand and represent the Rejoin EU party?
"Indeed, this is my first time standing for election. My experience in politics comes from a deep interest and consistent engagement with political processes and history, particularly around elections. I decided to stand for the Rejoin EU party because I strongly believe in the importance of restoring the UK's EU rights and freedoms. The decision was also personal; as someone who valued the freedom of movement and opportunities that came with EU membership, I want my children to have the same advantages. I explored obtaining an Irish passport through my grandfather's heritage, which led me to search for political entities that want to restore our place in the EU and the Rejoin EU party. Attending their meetings and learning about their vision motivated me to stand in my constituency to give Pendle and Clitheroe voters a chance to express their desire to rejoin the EU."
2. Pendle residents voted overwhelmingly to Leave the EU, with 62% voting Leave in 2016, do you think there is much support from voters to rejoin the EU now?
"While Pendle did vote predominantly to leave the EU in 2016, I believe the sentiment has shifted, especially among younger voters. My daughters, who are almost 20 and 18, along with many of their friends, strongly desire to rejoin the EU for the opportunities it offers, such as working holidays without the need for visas. As I engage with constituents, I sense a growing recognition of the benefits of EU membership and a willingness to reconsider the decision in light of the challenges we've faced since leaving."
3. As a local resident you will know the area well and the problems it faces. What do you see as the biggest issues in Pendle and how would you address them as our MP?
"The biggest issues in Pendle include the struggling education system, rising housing costs, and economic stability. As a teacher, I see firsthand the need for better funding to reduce class sizes and attract quality teachers. I would advocate for policies that ensure fair funding for our schools and push for incentives to retain educators in key subjects.Housing affordability is another critical issue. Having rented for many years, I understand the pressures of rising rents and the difficulty of saving for a home. I would support measures to regulate rent increases and expand affordable housing options.Economic stability is tied to our broader policy of rejoining the EU, which would open up job markets, support local businesses, and improve our economic standing. By rejoining, we can boost local employment opportunities and create a more prosperous community."
4. Immigration is a key issue at this election with around 700k (net) immigrants coming to the UK last year. What is your policy on immigration and is the number of people entering the country a concern or acceptable?
"Immigration is vital for our economy, bringing skills and labor that support various sectors. We need to ensure that immigration is managed in a way that benefits society while maintaining security and social cohesion. Immigrants who follow the rules and contribute positively to our community should be welcomed. Our area is a great example of how multiculturalism can enhance community life. We must continue to promote integration and mutual respect among all residents."
5. Pendle is a well-known deprived area, what will you and Rejoin EU do to help improve the lives of struggling families?
"Addressing deprivation requires a multifaceted approach. As someone who grew up in a non-working household and benefited from free school meals in school, I understand the challenges faced by struggling families. Education is a key focus; improving access to quality education can lift families out of poverty. We also need to address housing affordability and create economic opportunities through local business support and job creation.Rejoining the EU would provide access to funds and programs aimed at regional development, which could significantly benefit areas like Pendle. Ensuring that families have access to the resources they need, from healthcare to social services, is crucial for improving their lives."
6. Police struggle to respond to calls and ambulances take hours to reach emergency patients. What will Rejoin EU do to improve emergency services and the NHS?
"Improving emergency services and the NHS requires investment and systemic reform. Rejoining the EU could facilitate access to additional funding and best practices from other member states. We need to ensure that our emergency services are adequately staffed and resourced to meet demand. This includes better training, improved working conditions, and increased funding for critical infrastructure.Supporting the NHS also means addressing the broader issues of healthcare funding and workforce shortages. We must invest in training more healthcare professionals and ensuring they are fairly compensated and supported in their roles. By improving these services, we can provide faster and more effective care to our residents."
7. The international wars taking place are a hot issue for some residents in Pendle. What is your position on the situations in Ukraine and Gaza?
"My position is one of seeking peace and advocating for diplomatic solutions. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have caused immense suffering, and it's crucial that we support efforts to bring about peaceful resolutions. Innocent lives, including those of children, should not be caught in the crossfire of political and military conflicts.I have friends and colleagues from the affected regions, and their perspectives underscore the need for international cooperation and humanitarian support. The EU has a significant role in promoting peace and stability, and rejoining would align us with broader efforts to address these conflicts. Our goal should always be to foster a world where people can live and work together in harmony."
WHAT ELSE DOES HE SAY?
"As a father of five, two of his children attended CRGS, giving him strong ties to the Clitheroe area, with his eldest now studying at Cambridge University.Initially trained and working as an electrician, Christopher made a significant career change in 2020, becoming a physics and maths teacher and now working within alternative provision. His dedication to education and the community is evident through his professional journey and personal commitments, being a member of the PTFA for West Craven School and the finance director for Nelson House.Christopher is passionate about ensuring that Pendle and Clitheroe remain great places to live, work, and raise a family. He supports the Rejoin EU party, advocating for the restoration of the UK's EU rights and freedoms. He believes that rejoining the EU is essential to regain access to the European job market, support businesses, reduce travel chaos, and improve the UK's international standing.Christopher says, "I am passionate about reclaiming our EU rights and freedoms. Brexit has brought numerous challenges, from economic impacts to travel disruptions. Rejoining the EU is the only answer. If elected, I will work tirelessly to represent the residents of Pendle and Clitheroe, ensuring that our voices are heard and our rights are restored."
June 16 on X;
"As a lifelong Pendle resident, I cherish our community. An electrician turned teacher, I advocate for rejoining the EU to restore our rights, access the European job market, support local businesses, and improve our international standing. Vote for a thriving future! #RejoinEU"
June 9 on X:
"As we approach voting day, reflect on our future. Brexit has caused chaos and hardship. Voting for a Brexit government means endorsing this.Let's reclaim our rights, support businesses, and regain global respect.#RejoinEU. @RejoinP"
Rejoin EU proposes proportional representation, term membership of the House of Lords and stricter parliamentary conduct regulations.The party calls for immediate dialogue with the European Commission on the potential conditions and timing of re-joining the EU; restoration of free movement as part of renewed single-market and customs-union membership; suspension of any further divergence from EU regulations; and immediate development of interim closer ties with Brussels including renewed participation in Erasmus+ and other European initiatives open to non-EU members.
Our economic policies focus on re-joining the EU single market and customs union, adopting the euro, supporting small businesses affected by Brexit and reducing trade barriers with EU partners.
Foreign policy objectives include restoring Britain’s influence in Europe, enhancing international co-operation and addressing migration issues through EU membership.
Our defence and security policies emphasise greater European military integration and shared access to EU intelligence and security databases to combat emerging threats.
We reject immigration as a means of securing cheap labour and support a return to the policy of labour mobility within Europe offered by EU freedom of movement.
Our party prioritises the proper functioning of the NHS and the legislation needed to ensure greater entitlement to efficient treatment, pandemic preparedness and access to skilled EU workers.
Our environmental policies focus on EU co-ordination to tackle climate change, reduce pollution and ensure carbon market alignment in a global context.
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LINKS:
Manifesto
Christopher Thompson X/Twitter
Christopher Thompson Facebook
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