Election candidates were united in speaking out against increased state control under the coalition Government at a hustings which the Conservatives did not attend.

Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green, Independent, Trade Unionist Socialist Coalition and Socialist Party candidates all spoke out against increased police power, state control of data and a decline in access to court justice at the hustings, which was organised by the 38 Degrees campaign group.

Candidates addressed four key questions put to them by representatives of the national campaign group, which aims to provide a platform for people to discuss issues such as the future of the NHS and policing powers.

The event, held at the Fusion Arts Centre on Tuesday, was co-organised by Judith Harley, vice chairwoman of the East Oxford Conservative Association.

However, Conservative candidate Melanie Magee did not attend. UKIP candidate Ian Macdonald was also absent.

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Candidates were asked how they felt about police using tasers, and all spoke out against them.

Thames Valley Police used tasers 165 times between January and June 2014. Their use of tasers has gradually increased from just 18 incidents recorded by the force between January to June 2009.

The weapons have been linked to at least 10 deaths in England and Wales over the past decade and tasers were used on more than 400 children in 2013.

Green Party candidate Ann Duncan said: “It’s gone too far – particularly the fact that children and the elderly have been targeted.”

Labour candidate Andrew Smith said: “I think it’s time there is a proper review of the use of tasers.

“It’s a concern that we have a case of mission creep with their use becoming more regular.

“It’s concerning that the Police Federation is calling for all frontline officers to be equipped with tasers.”

TUSC candidate James Morbin said: “When you fire a taser at someone, you could kill them because you don’t know what effect that taser is going to have on that person. We would abolish them.”

Syed Imam, representing Liberal Democrat candidate Alasdair Murray, added: “Tasers should be used as a very, very last resort.”

All candidates slammed the Government allowing private companies to ask children to identify themselves using thumbprints to collect their school meals or register at school – a policy is used by schools in the city, including Oxford Spires.

Independent candidate Chaka Artwell said: “What they are saying is children have to use their thumbprints to be able to pay for things. I’m against that with all my being.

“To force our young people to use biometrics is wrong. Are we going to let tomorrow’s generation start their adult lives without consenting some corporation to have access to their data?”

Mr Smith said: “We all know how systems come in with a lot of constraints but then we find they are keeping our data and using it for other purposes.”

Candidates also condemned privatisation of the National Health Service and allowing so called TTIP trade agreements, which many fear could allow private companies in the US and Europe to bid to control parts of the NHS.

They also said the coalition Government has attempted to erode people’s access to open justice through the courts system, using the Criminal Justice Act.

For more on 38 Degrees campaigns visit 38degrees.org.uk