Richmond Park's prospective parliamentary candidates were grilled on all things business at a hustings event.

The political debate, run by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), saw candidates take a stance on funding for Kew Gardens, transatlantic trade and investment partnership and business rates reform.

The question and answer session at Coombe Wood Golf Club on Wednesday, March 25, was organised as part of the I Back Small Business campaign.

Chaired by Malcolm Johnston, FSB south-west London branch chairman, the panel included MP Zac Goldsmith, Liberal Democrat candidate Robin Meltzer, Labour Party candidate Sachin Patel, the Green Party's Andree Frieze and Samah Naz from UKIP.

Mr Johnston said: "Many small businesses would like to grow but are held back by an uncertain business environment.

"We need to ensure our future MPs stand by our small businesses and create the right conditions for them to start up and prosper. We were pleased to see all the candidates at last night’s debate support our campaign."