The West Country Debate September: Crumbling classrooms, wind turbines and new faces
Catch up on September's edition of The West Country Debate
We are just four days in to the new political term and so far discussions have been dominated by crumbling school buildings.
On the panel for September's edition of The West Country Debate:
Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Conservative MP for the Cotswolds
Kerry McCarthy, Labour MP for Bristol East
RAAC
Problems with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (or RAAC) have forced thousands of pupils to stay at home in the week they're supposed to be going back.
A Taunton school is one of many delaying the start of term after RAAC was found in the structure of a classroom.
The panelists agreed that schools had to close if RAAC was found but gave different views on how the situation has come about:
Onshore Wind
This week the Government announced the relaxation of planning permission for onshore wind farms - giving more options for communities who want developments in their area.
The move followed a growing rebellion by Conservative backbenchers.
Our panelists all thought green energy is vital but some questioned why it hasn't been implemented sooner.
New Term
This week the Labour leader has reshuffled his shadow cabinet, promoting two Bristol MPs. Thangam Debbonaire is now Shadow Culture Secretary and Darren Jones is Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
There have also been new faces for the Liberal Democrats - our panelist Sarah Dyke was sworn in as the new Somerton and Frome MP after winning the by election in July.
The panel all have strong views on which topics will dominate the coming months.
If you missed July's edition of the West Country Debate you can catch up here.