THREE election hustings have organised in the Winchester area over the coming two weeks.

The first has been arranged by Green campaigners in Winchester for next Monday, Novedmber 25, with all the candidates invited to attend.

Winchester Climate Crisis Alliance has organised the event, focussing on the climate emergency for Winchester.

People will have the chance to question each of the candidates.

The traditional event organised by city churches will be on Thursday December 5 at the United Church, to be chaired by the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Tim Dakin.

A hustings has also been arranged for Perins School in Alresford on Wednesday November 27 at 7.45pm.

On November 25, doors open at 6pm at the United Church on Jewry Street. It will be free and open to everyone.

Sir David King, climatologist and former scientific advisor to the government, will give the opening speech. Prof Joy Carter, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, will chair the hustings ensuring all candidates can set out their plan.

A small number of pre-selected questions will be followed by questions from the floor.

The government formed from the election will choose whether we continue to contribute to the ecological catastrophe or not. The true nature of the election must be made clear.

All the candidates have been invited to attend and answer questions. They are: George Baker, Labour; Steve Brine, Conservative; Paula Ferguson, Liberal Democrat; and Teresa Skelton, Justice and Anti-Corruption Party.

Also invited is Andrew Wainwright, Greens, who stepped down for the Remain Alliance.

Jemma Barter, Group Coordinator, Friends of the Earth Winchester, said: “Not enough is being done to tackle the climate crisis with the urgency it requires. We need parties across the board to show they’re boosting their climate commitments by telling us what they will do for the environment if their party is in charge.”

Katherine Howlett-Davies, spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Winchester, said: “We are about to vote for the last government that can act effectively on the climate and ecological breakdown. It’s vital candidates explain their plan for the next 5-10 years. We need real change and not hollow promises”.

Jock Macdonald, chairman of Winchester Action on Climate Change, said: “WinACC has waited an agonising ten years for a proper lead from government. Debate and Action are now a Must!”

Winchester Climate Crisis Alliance includes Extinction Rebellion, Friends of the Earth and WinACC, Winchester Action on Climate Change.

Monday November 25 is also the date for Winchester’ next School Strike and Climate March, starting at The Westgate at 4pm.

Hustings are an open meeting ahead of elections where the general public get to question the candidates before deciding how to cast their vote.