Election Q&A Preston: Mark Jewel (Lib Dem)

1) Do you think the veil worn by some Muslim women is a 'mark of separation' and hinders community cohesion?

To some non-muslims it may be seen as a barrier. However, I believe education and understanding can break down these 'perceived' barriers.

Weather some Muslim women wear the niqad or not, their involvement in the wider community would also break down these barriers.

2) What do you think is the best way to help small businesses in the present economic climate?

Businesses are an integral part of our society. A principal task of government is to support the creation of a diverse and sustainable mix of businesses that enable every person, through enterprise, to maximise their well being.

For this to happen, government must take control of the public finances and restructure our banking system. Liberal Democrats will split up the banks at get them lending again to sustain growth, particularly from the semi-nationalised banks which should be working for the benefit of UK plc.

We have also set out our view of government's role in creating the conditions for businesses to thrive. This is centred upon establishing a stable tax platform, cutting red tape, ensuring the supply of skilled workers and taking action in areas where government has a strategic role to play. Beyond that, most entrepreneurs want to be free to run their business without government interference.

3) Why do you think your party is best suited to the needs of British Asians?

The last few years has seen an unprecedented erosion of our civil liberties in the name of National security.

Under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, police have the power to stop and search anyone in a specific area.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an end to random and disproportionate stop and search which we believe alienates the communities we rely on most for the intelligence we need to fight terrorism.

The Liberal Democrats remain committed to scrapping tuition fees for all students taking their first degree. We are the only party which believes university education should be free and admissions based on ability not bank balance.

To improve educational performance across the board and give every child a fair start, we will spend an extra £2.5bn a year on schools. The means an extra £53m for schools in Lancashire every year. This extra money can be used to cut class sizes, provide one-to-one tuition and catch up classes ensuring every child gets the individual attention they need.

The Liberal democrats also want a fairer tax for everyone where no-one pays tax on the first £10,000 they earn.

This will save low and middle income workers up to £700 each in income tax. Pensioners would each receive a £100 tax cut. An estimated 5,000 low paid and part time workers living in Preston will pay no tax at all.

Weather on the economy, education or our freedoms and civil liberties only the Liberal Democrats will deliver the change that works for British Asians.

4) Would you condemn the actions of Israel if the state was to repeat the bombing of Gaza (January 2009)?

I condemn the actions of Israel for their continued blockade of Gaza that is inhibiting the reconstruction of homes, schools and infrastructure in Gaza.

I also believe Israel must halt the building of settlements in the occupied territories; an act that is illegal under international law and threatens the territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state. The EU have a central role in denying Israel access to European markets and favour until they are prepared to seriously engage in peace talks.

I have publically spoken out against Israels initial bombing of Gaza and will continue to speak out on the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

5) Should people be allowed to follow religious funeral traditions in the UK? (eg Hindu Funeral practices).

My personal view is yes. I quite like the idea of a viking funeral, being set off to sea in a blazing boat. Subject to certain safeguards anyone should be allowed to follow their own religious funeral traditions.