Political Showdown: Abortion, cannabis and cycle helmets - Labour's Louisa Wall and National's Paul Goldsmith debate the hot topics

The MPs battle out the biggest topics of the week.

Political Showdown puts politicians from different sides of the House together, getting them to test each other on the big questions of the week.

This week, National's Paul Goldsmith went up against Labour's Louisa Wall of Manurewa. 

Questions asked this week:

The former Police Minister said it was not the government’s job to dictate to police how to undertake their duties.

Should police pursuits be banned?

Cycling advocates want compulsory helmet laws reviewed, saying the law puts brakes on people riding.

Should we scrap compulsory wearing of bike helmets to encourage cycling?

Marae looks at the possibility of 3,000 beds being added to the prison system.

Should we be increasing prison capacity or be investing more in rehabilitation and prevention?

Dr Chris Wilkins says the Massey University drug report shows meth is widely used, especially outside of urban centres.

A study found meth was easier to source than cannabis, would decriminalising cannabis remedy this?

Will the firing of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have an impact on New Zealand?

But all three of National's leadership contenders oppose change.

Should abortion be moved from the Crimes Act to make it a health issue? 

Finance Minister Grant Robertson acknowledged on Q+A today both groups missed out on a "dividend".

Should teachers, nurses and midwives be paid more?

1 NEWS sat down with the MPs to see their thoughts on a range of issues.

1 NEWS NOW's Anna Whyte sat down with National MP Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Louisa Wall, to ask questions ranging from their view on the recent move to make the Black Ferns professional players, the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and if they think plain packaging will help decrease smoking. 

If you have any questions you would like to ask, or MPs you would like to see go up against each other, tell us via Facebook or email us on anna.whyte@tvnz.co.nz.

The MPs battle out the biggest topics from this week.

Political Showdown puts politicians from different sides of the House together, getting them to ask each other the big questions of the week.

1 NEWS gave the big questions to the politicians to battle it out, and they even found a few things they agreed on!

Previous Political Showdowns:

SHARE ME

More Stories