The candidates standing for election in Romsey have answered our final questions ahead of election day.
We asked every candidate the same five questions which addressed child safety, youth clubs, sports provisions, and what they would do on day one.
The Romsey and Southampton North seat has been held by Conservative Caroline Nokes since 2010.
At the last election in 2019, she won with a majority of 10,872.
The candidates for Romsey and Southampton North are: Caroline Nokes (Conservative), Geoff Cooper (Lib Dem), Fennie Yap (Independent), Christie Lambert (Labour), Connor Shaw (Green) and Paul Barrett (Reform).
See what they had to say below:
Caroline Nokes - Conservative
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
The Conservative Government passed the Online Safety Act, a world-leading piece of legislation designed to go further than any other country has to protect children from material that would be harmful. It is a work in progress and the Select Committee I chaired has taken evidence from Ofcom (among others) to keep up to date with how the Act is working. There is clearly more to be done to hold the tech companies to account and I have done a great deal of work with the Revenge Porn Helpline to tackle online abuse of women and girls. It is work I very much hope to be able to continue.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
The Conservatives are proposing a network of family hubs, which will be one stop shops for families with children, not just babies but all through childhood. They will be able to provide advice and help with infant feeding, parenting classes, peri-natal mental health support, the Government has already invested £300m in these hubs and they are the sort of targeted facility that can make a difference.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Over the past couple of years, the Government has put £20m of funding into Southampton Sports Centre to completely revamp it and make it a regional facility we can be proud of. There have been Government grants to the sports pavilion in North Baddesley and the new Cricket Pavilion in Over Wallop is now being built. This will give the sports ground in the village female changing facilities for the first time ever. But more than that I have worked with the FA locally to support grassroots football for boys and girls and was delighted to see that in action at last September’s Braishfield Bees football tournament at Mountbatten, which saw hundreds of young people taking part and enjoying sport.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
I would say Fishlake Meadows, the partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife has made the nature reserve a real gem. But it would be great to have an information centre and circular walk, with facilities to explain the work done to visitors.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
None whatsoever. I will go back to being the country’s most responsive MP, and continue my work holding the Government to account without fear or favour.
Geoff Cooper - Liberal Democrat
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
This is a big concern of mine and something I am already campaigning on. Children have always been bullied but the insidious presence of social media has taken bullying to a whole new level. As someone who was bullied as a child, I'm all too aware of the impact it can have on children's mental health. When I was a kid, at least once I was home, I was safe from my bullies, now children carry their bullies around with them on their phones and the social media apps they use. Our manifesto is dedicated to putting a mental health professional into every primary and secondary school so that children, and their parents, have somewhere to go to for support. To fund this we will increase the Digital Services Tax on social media firms and other tech giants. This might concentrate minds on tackling the problem at a corporate level because not enough has been done to date. In addition we would set up an independent advocacy body for children’s safety online. My personal view is that we should also consider restricting the types of phone that can be used by under 16s and limit access to social media for under 16s too.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
Whilst we don't reference children’s centres directly in our manifesto, most of the focus in our early years policy is on access to quality, flexible affordable childcare. We would reform childcare with a new training programme which would help us to identify and support children with special educational needs and disabilities. That said, I was a big fan of the Sure Start programme which brought a range of children’s services under one roof in an integrated way. Recent research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies now shows us that children who had access to SureStart service did better at GCSE. The impact was disproportionately strong among low-income children and those from ethnic minority backgrounds – increasing GCSE performance by three grades. There is also proof that the early interventions reduced the need for expensive Health, Education and Care plans in later life. With limited finances available we need to look again at greater co-ordination and co-location of children’s services.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
It only seems like 5 minutes ago that we had the UK Olympics and the “Inspire a Generation” campaign. With the Paris Olympics coming up later this year we have another golden opportunity to encourage young people to take up new sports. At a very basic level that helps with mental and physical health but if done well it will produce the next generation of Olympians. I would be very keen to work with the local councils on such schemes. We are lucky locally because we have not lost facilities and I was a lifeguard at Romsey Rapids and have not lost my love for sport. Lib Dem policy is actually to invest in leisure centres, swimming pools and other grassroots facilities so that people actually have a chance to become active in a more sustainable way.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
Without a doubt it’s the chalk streams and the beautiful River Test. It’s a precious asset and one that we should promote alongside our chocolate box villages. What people do not often realise is just how rare rivers like the Test are. There are only around 200 chalk streams in the world and most are found in the south of England. They are vital for our local economy, and both leisure and tourism industries. We have a huge responsibility to protect them. We must ensure we tackle the problem of the sewage and environmental pollution that is damaging our rivers and their ecosystems. This is a huge priority for me and I will continue working to improve the environmental health of our rivers even if not elected. This ties directly to our party campaign to end the sewage scandal which has been well publicised by Ed Davey.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
The one thing I’ve learnt in politics is that you can’t make change by yourself and change always takes far too long. The constituency is diverse and there are differing priorities, depending on where you live. In Romsey I would add my influence to tackling the problem of the brewery site. In Southampton it would be the traffic chaos. Further up the Test Valley and across the villages, it would be to tackle rural crime and a lack of public transport. But to my mind there are issues that affect everyone so number one on my to do list would be improving access to GPs and NHS dentists.
Connor Shaw - Green Party
The Green Party is committed to protecting children online through the introduction of a Digital Bill of Rights. This comprehensive legislation aims to ensure the independent regulation of social media platforms, providing enhanced protection for young users. Key measures include enforcing stringent age verification processes, reducing exposure to harmful content, and giving the public greater control over their personal data. By addressing issues such as foreign interference in elections and the influence of social media, the Digital Bill of Rights will safeguard democratic processes while prioritising the safety and privacy of children in the digital age. This initiative will be developed through an inclusive public dialogue to ensure robust and effective solutions.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
The closure of children's centres is a significant concern. The Green Party plans to open and expand essential community facilities. We aim to reopen children’s centres that provide crucial services such as childcare, parenting classes and health support, which are vital for early childhood development and family wellbeing.
In addition, we propose creating multi-use community hubs that offer a range of services, including mental health support, adult education and other social activities. These hubs will serve as accessible spaces for all age groups, fostering community cohesion and providing valuable resources. As outlined in the Green Party’s 2024 manifesto, "We will invest £5 billion over five years in local government spending on arts, sports, and culture to fund keeping local museums, theatres, libraries, and art galleries open and thriving, which can be part of multi-use community hubs”.
Funding for these initiatives will be sourced by reallocating existing budgets, implementing fairer taxes on the wealthiest individuals and large corporations, and forming public-private partnerships. By empowering local authorities with the necessary resources and autonomy, we can ensure the effective development and maintenance of these vital community services.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools, have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
The Green Party is committed to reversing the recent trend of closures and privatisation in our local leisure centres and bringing them back under local control and increasing budgets for local authorities. By prioritising long-term service over short-term profit, we can ensure that these facilities are maintained and accessible to everyone in the community.
To nurture future sports stars, we propose a comprehensive investment in local sports facilities, including refurbishing existing pitches and pools and building new ones where needed. We would also support community-led sports programs and provide grants to local clubs to make sports more accessible to all children. Funding would come from a combination of local government budgets, national sports grants and partnerships with private sponsors.
A striking example of the impact of funding cuts is the recent closure of the swimming pool at my secondary school, which had been funded and built by the community. This pool was a source of local pride, providing vital swimming lessons to children and allowing the school to host swimming events for other schools. It also offered a place for kids to cool down during lunch breaks in the summer. The loss of this facility due to education budget cuts has deprived the community of a valuable resource and highlights the need for robust investment in local sports infrastructure.
By bringing leisure centres back into local control and making targeted investments in sports facilities, we can provide the necessary support to develop young talent and foster a thriving sports culture in our community. This approach not only promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles but also ensures that our young people have the opportunities they need to excel in sports and reach their full potential.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
Romsey and Southampton North's greatest unsung asset is its stunning natural beauty, particularly the crystal clear chalk streams. The River Test, renowned for its pristine waters and rich biodiversity, is unfortunately under threat from sewage and chemical pollution due to privatised water management. Protecting and revitalising these streams is crucial, not only for the environment but also for the local economy.
The area's proximity to London makes it easy to visit, combined with its cultural heritage, quaint villages and friendly locals, make it a prime location for tourism. Promoting ecotourism can draw visitors seeking natural beauty and cultural experiences, thus boosting the local economy.
Highlighting attractions such as the Test Valley wine industry, which is amazing but remains relatively unknown, can further enhance the area's appeal. Vineyards such as Black Chalk, Coach House, Danebury, Goodworth Clatford, Leckford Estate and Nyetimber Chalkvale and Hazeldown to name a few.
To capitalise on these assets, improving public transport and cycling infrastructure is essential. Enhanced transport links will make it easier for tourists to visit and explore the region. Investing in cycling paths can attract eco-conscious travellers and promote sustainable tourism. Our little slice of Hampshire, with its charming villages, local pubs, and scenic landscapes, is one of the most beautiful areas to visit. By protecting our natural resources and enhancing infrastructure, we can ensure that this beauty is preserved and shared with visitors, stimulating economic growth through increased tourism. This balanced approach will help sustain the local environment and economy for future generations.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
On day one, I will initiate a comprehensive review of public transport services within Romsey and Southampton North to improve connectivity and sustainability. By advocating for better bus and rail services, including more frequent schedules and affordable fares, we can reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and enhance accessibility for all residents. This immediate action will set the stage for a greener, more connected community. I will also open my door and listen to residents' real concerns, politics should be about public service and if elected I will do my best to make everybody’s voices heard.
Fenni Yap - Independent
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
To protect children online, we must emphasize the importance of strong family bonds and the nurturing environment they provide. Encouraging parents to spend quality time with their children helps to create a supportive atmosphere where children are less reliant on online interactions.
In addition to promoting family time, our approach includes advocating for strict regulations on online platforms to safeguard children from harmful content. However, the focus is on encouraging families to replace excessive online time with enriching family activities, thereby reducing children’s exposure to potential online dangers. This dual approach ensures that children are protected both by robust online safety measures and by the strength of their family relationships.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
To address the closure of children’s centres, I propose opening new facilities that provide essential support for young mothers and their families. These facilities would include aqua natal classes, mum and tot swimming/music lessons, drop-in cafes linked to local churches, and parenting classes.
To fund these initiatives, I will advocate for redirecting the £100 million annual NHS expenditure on abortions towards these supportive services. By prioritizing real care over the funding of abortion, we can create a nurturing environment for families and ensure that no young mother even considers causing the death of her child.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools, have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
The most pressing issue for ensuring the future of our youth is the very survival of the next generation. If we are to build a future with Olympians and sports stars, we must first ensure that our society values and protects every life.
Once we consistently affirm the right to life, we can then invest in sports facilities and programs. By promoting and funding local sports pitches and swimming pools, we can encourage young people to engage in physical activities and develop their talents. But it all starts with a commitment to life itself; without this, our future generations will not even live to become our future stars.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
Romsey Abbey is a beautiful and historic feature of our area that is a testament to our spiritual heritage. This Abbey not only enriches our cultural and religious life but also has the potential to boost the local economy through increased tourism and community events.
Our society today only values humanity and life at because Christians introduced the concept of the imago dei into our collective consciousness. Historic places of worship like Romsey Abbey testify to the enduring impact of these ideas that we often take for granted today. By promoting Romsey Abbey as a centre for worship and reflection on the value of life, I will support initiatives that enhance its role as a community hub, drawing visitors and strengthening the local economy while fostering shared values and community cohesion.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
On day one, I will advocate for a shift in the local NHS trust’s priorities from promoting abortion to providing comprehensive pregnancy support. This includes ensuring that resources are allocated to services that support expectant mothers rather than those that facilitate abortions. By refocusing on life-affirming care, we can better support our community and uphold a consistent understanding of human rights as belonging to all humans, born and unborn.
The Romsey Advertiser contacted Christie Lambert and Paul Barrett but they did not reply.
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