Alice Hopkin
Conservative and Unionist Party
1. We have an approaching demographic that will require additional social care on top of our already strained system. What changes will you advocate to meet this need?
I worked in the Department of Health and Social Care at the tail end of Covid and saw firsthand the best of our NHS, but I also know where we need necessary improvements. On top of the £8.6 billion that we have invested in social care over the past two years, we must go even further to ensure our community has the care they need in later life.
I will prioritise attracting and retaining a high-quality care workforce, support unpaid carers, and campaign to see through the already planned reforms to cap social care costs in 2025.
Above all, we must get the basics right. That means creating even more appointments on top of our record numbers so when you call the GP, you will be seen quickly. I will also campaign for further investment in health technologies to improve diagnosis times and prioritise prevention to keep you out of care and enjoying your life for as long as possible.
2. What do you think is the biggest issue our nation faces at this time?
The global illegal migration crisis is the defining issue of our generation and has an impact on all of our public services. Housing, healthcare, infrastructure and public safety are all under pressure due to high levels of net migration. It is also costing the taxpayers millions per day. We are by no means the only country grappling with our border security, every country in the western world is facing the same challenge.
Beyond seeing net migration brought down and a cap on annual numbers, I want to see an international summit bringing likeminded countries together who are also facing a rise in immigration. We need to address this together so we can prioritise helping people who are fleeing persecution, whilst making it clear that those coming here for financial gain will not be able to stay.
We should also be aligning our international development priorities with the data we receive from Border Force. Fixing issues at the source to give people opportunities and a safe home country is what our aid budget should be spent on.
3. Normanton Foodbank continues to get busier and busier. What policy are you backing that will make the most difference to this situation?
Nobody wants to see a rise in foodbank use and having worked at a charity running a foodbank during Covid, I know how complex the situations are that people find themselves in.
Since Covid and the war in Ukraine, the global economy has been impacted enormously and we have seen rising inflation, increasing the price of food and household goods. One of the most important things the Conservative government has done to help families is stabilise the economy and bring inflation down from 11% to 2%.
Since 2010, nearly four million more people are in employment. Real wages have been rising over the past year, and we have cut taxes so working people can keep more of their hard-earned money.
We need to keep pushing in that direction and help families back on their own two feet after a difficult 4 years for the global economy.
4. What will be the biggest noticeable change to Normanton in 5yrs time if your party gets into power?
A vote for Labour in Normanton means a vote for the status quo. Labour have been in power here since before WWI. They have taken it for granted and taken their eye off the ball. I want to bring new energy to improve the lives of people across Normanton & Hemsworth.
If I am lucky enough to be elected as your Member of Parliament, I will relentlessly campaign for investment into our area to create high quality employment opportunities, thriving high streets and local infrastructure to be proud of.
My background is in the charity sector where I helped disadvantaged and autistic young people into employment. I firmly believe that no matter who you are or where you are from - you deserve an opportunity and a stake in society. I will represent you with that core mission and will do whatever I can to help you and your family achieve whatever you want to in life.
I will also prioritise tackling local crime by having more visible policing to make you and your loved ones feel safer.
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself…
I was captain of my hockey team at university. I’ve always been a keen sportswoman and have raised thousands of pounds for charities through sporting events over the years. I recently ran Paris Marathon raising nearly £3000 for Cancer Research UK. I’m already looking for my next big challenge!