I WAS fortunate to attend a hustings at the De Montford High School in Evesham where the Westminster candidates for the Conservatives, UKIP, Lib Dems and the Labour Party were present.

It was a fantastic event put on by the school and I was encouraged by the interest and contribution from the students.

Margaret Rowley, representing the Liberal Democrats, left me feeling a little underwhelmed by her contributions.

When brought onto the subject of defence she claimed that our nuclear deterrent Trident did not work! I wonder what our members of the Royal Navy would have to say about this!

I feel that a Westminster candidate should have a little more knowledge than this.

She also said we need to continue our spending on foreign aid at current levels so as to maintain our standing in the international community, and that we should reduce our defence spending.

We agreed with the UN that we would spend 2 per cent of our gross domestic product on defence.

How would that reflect in the international community?

I feel that maybe Mrs Rowley is a little out of touch with what are fundamental issues.

Jonathan Townsend

Himbleton