Five of Huddersfield’s general election candidates were put on the spot in a public question time.

Barry Sheerman (Labour), Andrew Cooper (Green), Zulfiqar Ali (Lib Dem), Rob Butler (UKIP) and Mike Forster (TUSC) attended the hustings at New North Road Baptist Church. Itrat Ali (Conservative) was absent.

During their introductions, Zulfiqar Ali said he would bring “experience” to the role; Rob Butler said “Huddersfield needs a fresh start” after 35 years of Labour; Andrew Cooper said he wanted to be at the heart of creating government policy, not “picking up the pieces” as councils are left to; Mike Forster said it was time for a renewed approach and end to the cuts; while Barry Sheerman said he is someone who sees potential for the town.

Here’s a snapshot of the Q&A:

What will candidates do to cut the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions?

Mike: Publicly-owned, intergrated transport means we can cut car journeys and reduce emissions.

Barry: It’s a precious, fragile planet and we all need to treat it better.

Zulifqar: Lib Dems want to put solar power at heart of UK energy efforts.

Rob: The planet managed 4.5million years without us, it will last beyond us. He raised scepticism about scientific research.

Andrew: UKIP has “dangerous” views on climate change. He said his party was leading on climate change.

Gledholt Methodist youngsters asked if candidates thought the school day should be longer?

Andrew: It may benefit parents but won’t allow time for teachers to prepare for lessons.

Zulfiqar: Would not benefit anyone, both students and teachers would be exhausted.

Mike: Follow the Finland model where children start school aged seven and have a shorter working day. He lamented the “bullying” Ofsted.

Barry: Had looked at this issue as chair of Education Select Committee and said evidence showed it wasn’t about the length of a school day but quality. He said teachers should be well-paid, valued and highly trained.

Rob: No, it’s about quality teaching. He believes there is too much political interference in education.

How will candidates keep their commitment that pledges made during the election campaign are delivered and be accountable for them?

Barry: Social media, They Work For You all ways of keeping track of MPs voting activities. He holds advice surgeries for people to question him.

Mike: Trust in politicians has declined. He would only take average worker’s salary and give rest to good causes. Also supports right of recall.

Rob: Wish lists by main parties are “bribing the electorate with our own money”. He said it wasn’t about how much time was spent in Parliament but in the town.

Andrew: He said this election was about values, not policies as a coalition government would need to compromise on policies, so many may not happen.

Zulifqar: He admitted the Lib Dems made a mistake over tuition fees, but the Tories would not remove it. He said Lib Dems had implemented many pre-2010 election policies.

Should people who opposed same sex marriage be given legal protection if they oppose it and it ends in a legal dispute?

Zulfiqar: Religious beliefs should be set aside, a liberal society means people choose their own lives and there should be support for all.

Rob: People should be free to live their lives according to their own values, he said people offering services should be aware it’s none of their business, but he would ponder the question further.

Andrew: We should be proud to live in a progressive society but recognises there will be people contrary to our beliefs.

Mike: Equality legislation hasn’t addressed the issue. He’s in favour of equality irrespective of gender, race or sexual orientation. People should be free to disagree and have right to express it in a society free from oppression.

Barry: Pleased we have become a more tolerant country, but leave the law courts to sort out if there is a legal issue.

What support should there be for parents in bringing up children, including those who want to stay-at-home?

Zulifqar: Lib Dems have given 30 hours free childcare.

Rob: Need more before/after school clubs, UKIP would amend planning regulations to build more nursery places.

Andrew: It’s going to cost money and that has to come from somewhere. Uncollected tax should be collected and used to double child tax benefits.

Mike: Cuts to children’s services and nursery closures need to stop.

Barry: More research is needed as to whether stay-at-home mums should get funding in lieu of the 30 hours free childcare. It’s an important issue that hasn’t been addressed, he says.