We are putting the candidates on the spot on issues affecting the people of Swindon.

Our questions on EUROPE are:

Do you think the UK should stay in the European Union?

What, if any, controls would you like to see put on the number of immigrants coming into the country?

How would your party help Swindon businesses better import and export to Europe and the global market?

POPPY HEBDON-LEEDER

1. Yes, we should stay in the EU. But the Green Party would have a referendum on our membership so the people of this country can decide. We would also like to see reform of the EU.

2. Short term, we reject an open borders approach, but also imposition of arbitrary caps; any immigration controls introduced should respect certain principles.

In the longer term we would like the world to be fairer so mass immigration is not the last resort for many people.

3. We’d prioritise and support local activity, local businesses and local trade over that carried out by large multinational firms; e.g. Increase corporation tax for large organisations and stop tax dodging to help local businesses compete.

Green MEP Molly Scott Cato is requesting VATMOSS requirements change in favour of small businesses.

MARK DEMPSEY

1. Yes. My number one priority is Swindon’s economy and jobs. In Swindon 8,406 jobs are dependent on our membership of the EU including 3,000 jobs at Honda.

I want a more open EU that works better– but like any relationship we achieve that change by working together, not walking away.

2. I think it’s crucial that we have a managed immigration system: so we get the best talent we need, whilst controlling low skilled migration.

Labour will ensure people are counted in and out and ensure people coming here will not be able to claim benefits for at least two years.

3. I will dedicate myself to restoring Swindon as an economic powerhouse.

I want to help make Swindon a leader in the new green-tech and hi-tech economy and I will support Honda’s plans for hydrogen vehicles. Leading in Europe is also vital as the EU provides 50 per cent of our trade.

JANET ELLARD

1. Yes. Millions of British jobs are linked to our trade with the EU, and being in Europe means there is easy access to the European market for British companies.

It also gives us greater influence in the world. Without EU membership, we would be isolated from our neighbours.

2. Immigrants should be welcome to come here to work or study and the UK should continue to give sanctuary to people from war-torn countries and countries with oppressive governments.

Many migrant workers are essential to our public services, such as social care and the NHS. However, our immigration system should be robust as well as fair.

3. We would work to deepen the EU single market in the energy sector, in the digital economy and for services.

We will boost British exports by scrapping national barriers to British firms trading online and by concluding ambitious EU trade agreements with key markets like Japan and India.

JUSTIN TOMLINSON

1. Our relationship with the European Union needs urgent reform, and people in the UK should have the final say in an in or out referendum which the Conservatives will hold in 2017.

Ahead of the referendum, the EU should return the controls of our borders and significantly cut the financial cost of membership.

2. Immigration benefits our country but it needs controlling. We will stop migrants accessing benefits for the first four years they’re here so that people pay into the system before taking out.

We will prevent child benefit being sent abroad and cancel the visas of those not in work after six months.

3. With the Conservatives, Britain will be the best place in the world to innovate, patent new ideas, set up and expand a business.

We are the fastest growing economy and our low taxes on jobs and innovation are turbo-charging our exports. UKTI & our embassies now pro-actively support businesses seeking to export.

JAMES FAULKNER

1. No. We should leave and become a sovereign country ruled by our own elected parliament again, free to make our own decisions and with our Parliament in full control of making Britain’s laws.

2. I would like to see Britain take back control of its borders and then introduce an Australian-style points-based immigration system to assess all potential migrants to Britain on a fair, ethical and equal basis.

3. Seek to reduce both the import EU tax payable on goods and export tax going to countries that have high tariffs.

Seek to offer periods of tax free incentives for those business who wish to come to Swindon. Seek to entice emerging technology companies to come to the area.