Ed Balls Q&A with the Jewish News: Apply for your FREE tickets

Ed Balls speech on VAT Ed Balls is set to take part in a Jewish News question and answer session just weeks before the General Election.

The man who hopes to manage the country’s finances after May’s poll will be quizzed by an audience of 300 community members on a range of domestic and international topics, as well as on matters of specific interest to the community and wider society.

The 14 April event at a north London venue is being partnered by the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council and will be chaired by Sky News presenter Samantha Simmonds.

Balls said: “I’m delighted to accept Jewish News’ invitation to take part in its latest public question and answer session. Coming just three weeks before Britain votes in a critical General Election, I look forward to this opportunity to engage directly with readers on the issues that matter most to them, and to put forward Labour’s better plan to make our economy work for everyone.”

Among the issues likely to be raised are the party’s criticism of Israel’s operation against Hamas and its subsequent issue of a one-line whip on a Commons vote on Palestinian statehood, shechita, faith schools and the differing approach of the main parties on the economy.

Balls will be the latest high-profile politician to take part in a Jewish News political forum since 2010, following in the footsteps of figures that include Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg, William Hague and Boris Johnson.

Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer said: “It’s been a huge honour to provide our readers with the chance to quiz some of Britain’s most high-profile politicians over the past five years. Such opportunities for face-to- face engagement are all the more important during the lead-up to an election so we thank Ed Balls for finding the time during such a hectic period.”