Surveys are a useful way to find out what people think

IT’S a perennial problem for an MP; how do you understand and best represent our community and what issues matter most to us?

Living here is certainly a good start! But further than that, how do you take stock of what people are thinking? One of my favourite ways to do this is speaking to people from around our area.

Whether I’m welcoming constituents to my office in Hinckley, talking to local business owners or crossing paths while walking the dogs, I appreciate every opportunity to hear what matters to our community.

Since being elected in December 2019 I’ve received over 70,000 emails, worked on more than 23,000 local concerns or policy queries and invited hundreds of residents to speak with me.

But, with over 110,000 people in our constituency (Bosworth spans from Burbage and Hinckley, up to Twycross and across to Ratby and Markfield), it’s tricky to get round to everyone!

I’ve found surveys to be a useful tool in getting a flavour of what local people think on any given topic in a short space of time.

Previous surveys cover everything from photo ID and fireworks to international aid and, last year, who should be leader of the Conservative Party. In this month’s column I wanted to share the results of my two most recent surveys: Brexit and immigration.

Following news of the Windsor Framework I asked, ‘Do you think the UK should re-join the European Union?’ to which 64.5% of respondents selected ‘No.’

On immigration I asked, ‘Do you agree or disagree with legislation which will deter people from crossing the Channel via people smuggling gangs?’ to which 80% selected either ‘Strongly agree’ or ‘Agree.’ In response to the question ‘Do you support the

Rwanda Partnership?’ 62.5% selected ‘Yes,’ with 9.2% selecting ‘Don’t know.’

The most selected responses to ‘Which issues are most important to you and your family’ were the NHS, increasing cost of living, the economy, immigration and crime. These reflect the Prime Minister’s five priorities: Halve Inflation, Grow the Economy, Reduce Debt, Cut Waiting Lists and Stop the Boats.

By no means is this scientific… keeping in mind how many people live in our area, these results reflect a small sample size, but surveys are certainly not a tool to disregard. Through sharing links on Facebook, in my newsletter and as posts on my website, I encourage everyone who would like their voice to be heard to take part – no matter your politics.

If you’d like to receive my newsletter (I’ll be in touch with monthly updates on my work, links to surveys, important news etc) please sign up via www. drlukeevans.org.uk.

Fundamentally as a politician it does come down to your judgement and ultimately for voters their decider is always the ballot box!