Nearly 100 residents packed out a hall to hear The Wrekin parliamentary candidates givi­ng their views on marriage, asylum seekers and “the 24/7 society”, writes Jason Lavan.

Last night’s debate, in All Saints Church Hall in Wellington, saw Labour’s Paul Kalinauckas, Tory Mark Pritchard, Ali Daw for the Liberal Democrats, and Malcolm Hurst for UKIP, in action. The fifth candidate for the seat, Susan Harwood of the BNP, was not invited.

Candidates were asked what their parties would do to ensure marriage had a valuable place in society.

Mrs Daw said it was important to recognise it, but not to exclude those who decided not to get married.

Mr Pritchard said: “David Cameron has said he wants to make the UK the most family friendly country in Europe and we are also going to recognise marriage in the tax system.”

Candidates were then asked about asylum seekers. Mr Kalinauckas said: “What is important is that you have the correct community services that provide support.”

Mr Hurst said: “We are a small island and it’s space we are talking about and not race.” Mrs Daw said the key was to have strong and sensitive negotiators to deal with asylum seekers.

Candidates were also asked if the “24/7″ society was eroding family life on a Sunday. Mr Pritchard said it was important families made time on a Sunday for each other, regardless of the shop’s trading hours.