GENERAL Elections are the time when people have the power in their hands to vote out candidates from parties who helped to enact bad laws. Major issues will always be the NHS, jobs creation, housing and education. The contentious issues will relate to morality and ethics, not just in society, but also in our elected government. As a Christian I believe that every life deserves protection from conception to its natural end.

Assisted suicide: we must ensure MPs understand that we do not want this. There are better ways of alleviating fear of dying.

Abortion: we must get back the respect for the unborn child (as there is none at present) in parliament when they are discussing issues relating to the unborn child.

Trafficking and prostitution: this needs to be stamped out with more powerful laws – no demand, no need.

Religious liberty: the law at the present moment in time speaks of equality, but laws on equality and discrimination should protect the freedom and human rights of all. Addressing equality laws fairly in the coming parliament will be crucial to protecting freedom of conscience.

Marriage: we have been encouraged by some minuscule financial recognition of marriage, but it must be also recognised in law that children need a mother and a father. The mess created by the present main political parties on marriage laws has undermined family life.

As we mark the anniversary of Magna Carta which entrenched protection of the citizen and the church, and prepare to vote, remember that those freedoms and liberties came at a terrible price.

Norman Plaisted, Vivian Road, Newport