The UKIP Draft Manifesto for the NEC 6/11/04
The United Kingdom Independence Party
Draft Policy Document/Manifesto
2004
Entrust and Empower the People
Through
ACTIVE DEMOCRACY
The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) recognises the important role you, the British people, will play in the implementation of the policies contained in this manifesto. We are proud that UKIP is the first party in British political history to present policies that depend for their success on the assistance of the British people, based, as they are, on giving you a greater responsibility and a more significant role in improving your country. Those in industry, local government, public services, business, in country, town or city, young and old, all will have a real and continuing opportunity to shape and develop the re-building of your nation.
Without you, we are nothing.
With you, nothing is impossible.
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Introduction
Personal Freedom and an Independent Nation.
Free of the confines of the European Union (EU) the UK can look forward to a global future, able to pursue the real interests of our own country and to form beneficial trade links with whichever countries we wish.
We will restore to the British people the power to control our government, restore the supremacy of our own Law, to control our borders, our land and sea.
Once we have our independence we want a future based on the principles of democratic and open government and individual freedom under the rule of Law.
We will build a country based on common sense and respect for others not one based on endless stifling regulations and political correctness.
We can also look to our economic future with confidence. The £30 billion per year and more that membership of the EU costs us will stay in our pockets to be spent on our needs and not on the appallingly corrupt and wasteful system in Brussels. Our economy will be freed up from red tape to expand and develop globally, our trade with EU countries and the rest of Europe can and will continue.
We know we can make this country one which is worth living in again.
CONSTITUTION
We have come to the point in our history when we must ask ourselves do we want to grant politicians the absolute right to rule?
Can we let them trample over and replace our own Constitution with an inferior and dangerous model which takes away vast swathes of this country’s power to rule itself.
Although the Prime Minister has graciously decided to allow us a referendum on the EU Constitution he has not informed the people that this new model expressly takes precedence over our Constitution and is incompatible with it.
He is required under our Law expressly to repeal any Constitutional Enactments. He cannot do it by stealth.
The time must come when we stand up and demand that the Government admit that they are demolishing our Constitution and with it our democracy and our way of life.
Then let us see what the people decide.
Introduction (contd.)
SELF-GOVERNMENT
The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) was formed in 1993, on the belief that the British people should be self-governing. Under the British Constitution ‘no parliament may bind its successors’.
The UKIP is a non-racist, non-sectarian party valuing individual freedom, tolerance and our right to govern ourselves. The party will never abolish the pound for the euro and will never abandon British Common Law, including the right to trial by jury and habeas corpus. We are the only party that genuinely believes in real freedom - freedom for the individual, freedom for businesses and local communities, freedom from patronising political correctness and from intolerance or injustice.
On the 10th of June, 2004 the UKIP quadrupled the number of its MEPs in the European Parliament from three to twelve. UKIP gained two seats on the London Assembly. Nationally, 2.6 million people voted for the party. Around Britain UKIP members are capturing seats on councils at all levels. By November, 2004 membership had increased to 27,000, making the party four times the size of the ‘Greens’
In 1975 the British people voted, in good faith, to remain in what they were deceived into believing was a trading agreement, or Common Market. In reality they were voting on membership of the European Economic Community, which has become a centralised, bureaucratic, unaccountable and corrupt structure that erodes our independence and dictates policies without accountability or consultation.
With each of the five treaties so far signed, our own politicians - Labour and Conservative alike, aided and abetted by the Liberal Democrats - have handed over areas of governance, so that today we are almost completely governed from Brussels.
The EU intends that there shall be an EU Government, an EU army, a common EU economic and employment policy linked to a common currency, a common foreign and defence policy, a common immigration and asylum policy, a common legal system, an EU army and an EU Constitution.
UNTIL BRITAIN REGAINS FULL, UNCONDITIONAL SELF-GOVERNMENT, DOMESTIC POLICY-MAKING REMAINS A SHAM.
The UKIP will repeal the 1972 European Communities Act that binds Britain to Brussels. Only then, will a British Government, sitting in Westminster and directly answerable to a British electorate, have the power to make policies that improve the British way of life.
The British people will then once again be self-governing - without compromise, condition or interference.
It is time to regain our independence.
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WHEEL DIAGRAM IN HERE Alternative Introduction
The Road Map to Independence.
For the past thirty two years, Conservative and Labour governments, assisted by the Liberal Democrats, have handed over, treaty by treaty, the governance of our country, to Brussels.
To remain in the European Union (EU), everything in Britain must change and the individuality of our national life disappear. Much already has. Whole industries have been deliberately run down. The rest, like fishing and farming are in the process of being dismantled. Most of our vital public services are now in the hands of foreign companies. Our courts and laws, which for centuries have protected the individual from an overbearing state, are changing to an EU system that offers no such protection.
The closure of Post Offices, the lack of British history teaching in our schools, the forced change to metrication are just some of the hundreds of examples of EU interference in our lives. The continuing mass-immigration policy is changing the character of our land. England has long since vanished from EU maps and English as a nationality is no longer accepted on many official forms.
All this, without any of us being asked if we approve.
The intended EU Constitution is the final act of transference. If it is ratified Britain as a free, sovereign, self-governing country ceases to exist and the British, as an individual people, will disappear. Our national parliament will become redundant and the UK broken up into EU regions governed directly from Brussels. There are less than two years in which to stop this happening. It is as stark as that!
The policies in this manifesto (and the policies of the other political parties) cannot be implemented unless Britain has a national government, answerable to the British electorate, free to govern without condition or interference. To enable this to happen and subject to the will of the British people, UKIP will withdraw Britain from the European Union.
Over the past 32 years, British politicians have pursued the ‘European project’ without informing or consulting you. To prevent that ever happening again, UKIP believes you should be more closely involved in the governance of your country.
The policies in this manifesto reflect a brand new style of government, built on your active and continuing participation.
Better than anyone, you know what is required to repair your industry or profession, to improve the services you use and to enhance where you live. We need that knowledge and your involvement to re-build Britain.
This manifesto is built on the independence of our nation and your personal freedom.
You’ve been denied a say in your past.
We believe you should have a say in your future.
We want to give you back your country.
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Constitutional Issues
(1) WITHDRAWAL
The Road Map to self-Government
If it is the will of the British people, democratically expressed, that Britain should leave the European Union (EU) the following will take place.
UK Resumption of Sovereignty
National independence for Britain only requires (at the moment) the repeal of the European Communities Act, 1972 by a British Parliament. On the day (Independence Day) of such an event Britain becomes, immediately, a free, self-governing nation. There would, however, still be a number of important issues to be resolved. For that purpose a period of 24 months will be designated the ‘transition period’ so that those issues can be addressed.
Managing freedom
On Independence Day a new Ministry, the Ministry of EU Transitional Arrangements (META), headed by a senior Cabinet Minister with a second-in-command from the Opposition, will be charged with the responsibility of managing and negotiating the transition period.
All other relevant ministries will report to META on all transition matters. META will be staffed by senior executives from the British private sector, from business, transport, energy, City, farming, fishing and legal circles. META will complete the bulk of its work by the end of the transition period but will remain in existence for a further two years to help resolve any outstanding issues. By statute it will be dissolved exactly four years after Independence Day.
Law and regulation
As from Independence Day the UK will cease to be subject to new EU law, regulation and case law. From then on only British courts, including the House of Lords, will interpret and apply law (including EU law). Judgements from the European Court of Justice will be referred to the House of Lords for determination.
EU Directives and Regulations, already transposed into British law will continue but will be systematically reduced and repealed during the transition period.
All EU law, regulation and case law will cease to apply to the UK at the expiry of the transition period.
EU governmental posts
British MEPs will resign their seats on Independence Day and thereafter take no further part in the EU parliament’s activities. If necessary, arrangements will be made to accommodate their staff in employment in the UK.
British officials and employees of the Commission will negotiate the timing and terms of their departure with the relevant Directorates. British representation at COREPER and in other EU institutions and agencies will be progressively reduced during the transition period, in co-operation with the relevant EU bodies and the other 24 member states.
Budget contributions
The UK’s monthly gross contributions to and receipts from the EU Budget will reduce by 1/24th on a straight line basis in each of the 24 months during the transition period to reflect the progressive disengagement of the UK from the EU.
Trade
During the transition period UK trade will gradually cease to be regulated by the EU and the UK will resume its own seat and vote at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The UK notes that the EU already has 91 Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with non-EU countries and believes that an FTA between the UK and the EU-24 coming into force during the transition period will be in the interests of both parties and proposes that negotiations to the end begin on Independence Day. If this is not possible, trade between the UK and the EU-24 will be conducted as provided for in the WTO, UN, NATO, OECD and other multilateral treaties, with the UK having the same status vis-à-vis EU-24 as the USA, Japan and other leading non-EU trading nations.
In parallel the UK will seek to negotiate mutually-satisfactory trading arrangements with the four EFTA member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Defence
On Independence Day the UK will cease to participate in EU defence planning, activities and operations, including its arms-procurement agencies. From Independence Day onwards, British armed forces will be deployed in the defence of the European continent through NATO.
Foreign Policy
On Independence Day the UK will begin to withdraw from all EU foreign policy involvement, such withdrawal to be completed during the transition period. Thereafter the UK will conduct its own foreign policy, through the United Nations, with regional bodies and with its allies including the EU and its 24 member states.
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)
The UK will cease all involvement in EMU, including the European Central Bank, during the transition period.
Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy
The UK will cease all involvement in the CAP and the CFP during the transition period.
Immigration and Asylum
The UK will resume full and absolute control of its borders on Independence Day. During the transition period immigration and asylum matters would be subject to UK policy which would reflect a fair yet firm entry criteria coupled with an understanding approach to movement of EU-24 and UK citizens.
International Aid.
The UK will cease all involvement in EU aid programmes worldwide during the transition period eventually resulting in UK aid being directly provided to recipient countries or through multilateral agencies such as the UN.
Proposed policy.
‘National self-government requires that Great Britain disengages from the European Union. This will be achieved immediately by a declaration of independence, the repeal of the European Communities Act, 1972 followed by a structured, staged process of disengagement, to an orderly and known timetable.’
(2) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Background.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000, which allows the Public Records Office documents to be released, comes into effect in January, 2005. It is a huge step forward in allowing public access to information. Written into the Act, are a number of exemptions which, in most cases, rightly restrict access to certain types of material e.g. the deception by the Establishment at the time of our Accession to the Treaty of Rome in 1973
*There also exists, however, a ‘Ministerial veto’, a device denying access to material which has already been the subject of a release order made by the Information Commissioner. UKIP believes the existence of a Ministerial veto to be a denial of rights and a misuse of authority. It should be abolished.
(* we need to check this - any check or control on the Ministerial veto)
Constitutional Issues
Proposed policy.
‘That the Ministerial veto contained in the Freedom of Information Act, 2000 be abolished.’
(3) The HOUSE of LORDS
Background.
Despite the anomalies of non-elected, hereditary and appointed members, the second chamber has, over the years, evolved into an efficient counter-balance to the House of Commons. Almost despite itself the House of Lords works well and, paradoxically, has become, a safeguard of democracy in Britain.
Proposed Policy.
(see separate sheet)
(4) PUBLIC REFERENDA.
Background.
The British system of national governance allows involvement by the electorate only at times of a General Election. Over the past thirty two years none of the detail contained in European Union treaties has been included in the party manifestos of the three British political parties. The changes to British lives contained in those treaties, therefore, have not been widely known, or agreed to, until implemented. Significant constitutional change has taken place without reference to the electorate.
This is not democratic.
A mechanism should exist to allow the nation the ability to express its view on serious and substantive matters, on constitutional, moral or important public issues, subject to safeguards to prevent mischievous or obstructive conduct. In addition, in all matters which affect the British Constitution or the governance of the nation, nothing shall be decided by Parliament without a public referendum.
Proposed policy.
That there should be a mechanism by which the British public can demand a public referendum in the following terms.
‘The Popular Veto
If, within six months, 1.5% (approximately 750,000 currently) of the national electorate sign a petition requiring a referendum on some question currently under discussion in Parliament, then the government will be obliged to hold a binding referendum on that matter within a further six months.
The Popular Initiative
If, within six months, 3% (approximately 1.5 million currently) of the national electorate sign a petition requiring a referendum on some question not currently before Parliament, then the government will be obliged to hold a binding referendum on that matter within a further six months.
The Constitutional Safeguard
‘Where it is proposed, or consideration is being given, by Parliament to make changes which affect or might affect the British Constitution or the governance of Britain, before those proposals are implemented the British people shall have the right to a public referendum, on those proposals, the result of which shall be binding.’
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NB
Constitutional.
Two thirds majority in favour
Turn out: 50% (in all referenda)
In all other referenda - 55% majority
In order to protect minority interests there must be a minimum turn-out. To ensure a result that does not lead to recrimination, just a reasonable and sufficient majority should be avoided. Home Affairs
(1) LAW and ORDER
Background.
Law and order in Britain today increasingly is failing to protect the citizenry. Policing appears non-existent with little if any public presence. Crime is rising, especially crimes of violence and public disorder. The detection rate is low. The traditional relationship between the police and public built on trust, support and confidence, unique to these islands, has vanished. The law appears no longer to protect the weak, the young or the elderly.
The courts and the administration of justice are similarly viewed with cynicism. Sentencing bears little resemblance to public expectation and appears more a device to keep the prison population low rather than as a deterrent. More and more legislation is being introduced that criminalises wider areas of the population without affecting the real criminal.
Centuries-old magistrates’ courts and hundreds of police stations are being closed. The important links between communities and local, accountable law enforcement are being broken on the alter of a new EU code of justice known as Corpus Juris.
There is an urgent need to re-establish both the traditional physical and cultural link between the people and the law. It is the core of a democratic, free nation.
British law has always allowed a householder or a person under attack the right to protect life and property. Recently, there has been a steady erosion of that right in favour of the assailant or the trespasser. Increasingly this has led to court action against the victim and in favour of the wrong-doer. This is patently against natural justice.
UKIP considers that a person who is subject to unlawful attack or intrusion should have the right to use whatever force they consider necessary to prevent the continuance of that unlawful conduct.
NB Zero Tolerance?
Proposed policy
The Police Service.
‘(1) Any move to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales, either by regionalising or nationalising the Service, is opposed.
(2) Local Police Authorities should be wholly elected by the community and have greater powers in the selection and appointment of senior officers (ACPO) and in holding to account those officers in the discharge of their duties including the disposition of resources and the performance of the force.
(3) Local Consultative groups should be elected to represent their communities and have more power to identify and influence, through consultative meetings and through the Police Authority, the disposition of resources and the performance of the force.
(4) The Police Service should be excluded from the Equal Opportunities legislation.(?)
(5) There should be established a Police Complaints Department that is separate and independent of the Police Service.
(6) The decision to charge and to prosecute should be returned to the Police Service.(?)
(7) The training of Police officers should be reviewed and the need for a fast-track career structure questioned.
The Judicial System.
(9) The Crown Prosecution Service will be abolished.(?) Less red tape
(10) Local Magistrates’ Courts will be re-opened.
(11) The Lay Magistrates system will be encouraged and their powers of sentencing strengthened. (No) Petrina’s view is that they are not competent anyway!
(12) Judges will retain their independence but should be aware of the views of the local communities in which they sit.(?)
(13) The Home Office shall, apart from legislation passed in Parliament, be advisory and responsible for common services including the provision of training.(?) Expand
(14) If required, more prisons will be built.
(15) Sentencing will be strengthened and the introduction of minimum-maximum sentences considered. “Life means life” Remission (good behaviour) looked into.
(16) The re-introduction of the death penalty will be debated and a referendum on it offered to the public.
(17) Where a person is subject to an unlawful assault or intrusion into their dwelling then that person may use such force as they consider necessary in order to defend themselves or their property.
(2) IMMIGRATION
Background
Illegal immigration, in the guise of asylum seekers, has become a major problem in Britain. The present Home Secretary has admitted that the Home Office has no idea of the true number of immigrants coming into this country and has further stated that
he sees no reason why there should be a limit. Because of EU membership, Britain has lost control of its borders. Successive governments have been unable (and apparently unwilling) to prevent the unending flood of foreigners into our country.
Such an uncontrolled influx of people into a relatively small island is creating tension in the indigenous population and putting Britain’s public services and infrastructure under great strain.
In order to return to the open, welcoming society that has been Britain’s traditional response to genuine asylum seekers, the true nature of what has been happening must first be established. This should be followed by a process of repatriation of those
illegally in this country and the early introduction of a fair, firm policy of entry based very much on systems operating elsewhere in the world. Such a system must also, sympathetically, take into account the plight of those EU and UK citizens who have taken advantage of the ‘free movement of people’ within the present EU.
Proposed policy.
‘That Britain takes full control of her borders.
That all persons who are illegally in the U.K. be repatriated to their country of origin or to the country through which they last travelled in order to come to Britain.
Britain will only grant entry to immigrants whose applications for entry have been submitted from beyond our shores. They will be decided solely on the basis of any skills this country needs, but also with reference to to the ability of the housing, health and education etc., infrastructure to support them. Applications from would-be entrants with kin already resident here will be considered separately. A good knowledge of the English language, together with an indication of a willingness to integrate in the country at large and to take an Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown, will be prerequisites.
That a wide ranging and public review be speedily carried out to discover the full extent, effect and cost of the mass-immigration policy of recent years.
That, whatever policies are introduced, the rights of those EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU, should be acknowledged.
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Defence and Foreign Affairs
(1) DEFENCE
General:
A thorough review of defence commitments must be implemented in order to reduce the pressure on overstretched forces and the involvement of the TA in front line operations
Proposed policy
UKIP believes in a strong and effective defence force. We will ensure that our Armed Forces are properly equipped, trained and funded. UKIP will focus on effective requirements analysis and on reducing procurement bureaucracy & waste.
NATO
We would maintain our commitment to NATO as a stand-alone defence alliance, free of any political intrusions from the EU. We would not participate in the EU ‘Rapid Defence Force’
UKIP would seek to equip Britain’s armed forces primarily from British manufacturers and suppliers, subject to stringent ‘in the field tests’, but would be prepared to seek mutually advantageous manufacturing partnerships.
Proposed Policy.
UKIP supports a strong British role in NATO, the cornerstone of Britain's defence policy since 1945. UKIP will withdraw from the EU 'Rapid Reaction Force' which is really an embryonic European Army. UKIP would retain Britain’s nuclear capability and adapt our military requirement to meet the threats emerging in the 21st century
We will defend British interests wherever they are threatened. British forces may be used in a peacekeeping role wherever appropriate under the aegis of the UN.
Military manpower
Physical demands on military personnel are more extreme than those in civilian life. Military law and recruitment policies must reflect this. Civilian laws cannot be applied to members of the armed forces without qualification.
Proposed policy.
Our armed forces are undermined by bureaucratic and politically correct management. UKIP will reverse this development.
Reserve & Cadet forces
Proposed policy
UKIP will reverse the decline in the Reserve Forces and Cadet Corps in schools and local communities by including military history in the school curriculum and by increasing funding to Reserve Forces and Cadet Corps.
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Agriculture and Fisheries
(1) GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS
Background.
The evidence concerning genetically modified crops is contradictory. The alleged benefits are countered by apparent risks to health and the environment. A question mark hangs over this whole topic.
EU Directive 2001/18/EC prevents Britain from outlawing genetically modified food. Any decision by another EU country to allow GM crops becomes binding in the rest of the EU, including Britain. Brussels will decide whether GM crops are grown in Britain or not.
Proposed policy.
‘All the available evidence concerning genetically modified crops should be gathered and reviewed. In Britain there should be a moratorium on the planting of such crops. Experiments, if they are considered necessary, should only be carried out only in a controlled environment where contamination outside the experimental area cannot occur. If this is not possible, experimentation should not take place.’
(2) FISHING
Background
Exclusive competence for fisheries lies with Brussels because the UK’s Accession Treaty handed over UK waters and fish stocks to the EEC (EU) to be shared by every other (and future) Member State equally and without discrimination. That is the real Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) - unsustainable, untenable, stifling and indefensible.
Great Britain contributes 70% of fish to the EU pool yet is given back by Brussels only 13% of the total (Defra figures) or 18% or our contribution. This amounts to just £500 million which means that we are giving to the EU £2.2billion of fish every year. When you add the loss of fishing jobs, the loss to support industries and the potential for valued added products, the actual loss to the British economy is many billions of pounds per year.
Few would have thought 30 years ago that the nation with the most fish and the longest coastline in the Common Market would have an indigenous industry, part of the heritage of this island nation, reduced to such a humiliating rump of less than half its size.
Dumping of prime fish, decommissioning, inequitable effort limitation on British fishermen, stricter (and often perverse) control regulations and technical measures (assuming they can be understood) and the latest myth that there has been radical reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, are the bitter fruits of the treachery perpetrated on British fishermen 30 years ago.
National controls are the only way the British fishing industry as we know it can be salvaged from extinction.
Nothing less will stop the horrendous practice of dumping prime fish back dead into the sea.
Nothing less will reverse the rapid decline in the number of UK fishing vessels.
Nothing less will enable us to protect the vital coastal ecosystem, the very life-blood of both the inshore and offshore fisheries.
Nothing less will enable us to stop the destructive practice of industrial fishing.
Nothing less will enable us to bring in measures to stop the slaughter of dolphins.
Nothing less will stop the decimation of our coastal infrastructure.
The fishing industry crisis originates in Brussels, the only solution lies with the British people and the British Parliament.
Proposed Policy
‘Fishing grounds and their fish stocks will be repatriated back to the British people. British fishermen will have priority and those foreign fishermen we permit to fish our waters through bi-lateral agreements will have to fish under our licensing system, our control regulations, our conservation measures and our enforcement regime.
We will introduce a non-transferable licensing system linked with effort control (until stocks have regenerated).
Technical measures will be introduced to help in selectivity and cut down on those gears which do most damage to the marine environment or those methods of fishing which are upsetting the balance of the marine ecosystem, including the unnecessary slaughter of dolphins.
Overall control will lie with Westminster but we will set up regional management teams made up of administrators, enforcers, scientists and at least 50% fishermen. They will be responsible for all aspects of fishing within their region and will, therefore, have a direct interest in ensuring a sustainable future.’
Agriculture and Fisheries (contd.)
(3) AGRICULTURE
Background.
The Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) has been a disaster for British agriculture. It has been directly responsible for the steady decline of our farming industry. The continuing flow of regulations generated in Brussels means that profit margins have been reduced or completely eliminated. The imposition of the CAP has meant that the traditional face of our rural landscape is changing. Well-established communities and ways of life are now under threat of extinction.
Agriculture and the care of the land must return to ‘national’ ownership. The countryside, agriculture and the rural way of life must be repaired and rejuvenated.
Proposed policy.
‘Britain must become self-sufficient in food production, as far as is possible.
The industry should be assisted, not just with economic encouragement, but also with the elimination of most of the present regulations, including the quota system, now imposed on the industry. This assistance should include the re-building of the traditional rural, British infrastructure.
All food sold in the UK to be clearly marked with the country of origin with an insistence that all imported foreign foodstuffs be produced to UK standards.
A ban on the importation of all illegal meat and foodstuffs as these carry the risk of infection. The Food Standards Agency and HM Customs will tasked to create whatever inspection system is required to prevent the import of sub-standard or illegal substances, such as ‘bushmeat’, in order to combat the risk of importing animal diseases.
Encourage the re-introduction of small slaughterhouses and mobile slaughter men to reduce transport times and distress for animals.
The transportation of live animals to the Continent for slaughter will cease.
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Transport and Environment
(1) TRANSPORT
Background.
In a post-EU situation it is likely that more would-be goods will be sourced from within the UK, exchanges with EU countries will grow at a lower rate and trade with
the rest of world will expand. The resulting significant changes in transport patterns and demand would render many of the current growth projections invalid, especially in the congest South-East.
Whilst UKIP deplores the thousands of millions of pounds so recklessly squandered on rail privatisation, we do not believe it would be realistic to return to the original status quo, nationalisation.
Proposed policy
‘All rail services should remain under one co-ordinating authority with a robust remit and targets and strict monitoring. Financial support should be considered for certain areas funded, in part, from savings made on discontinued excessive regime ‘safety’ regulations imposed by the EU.
Public investment in the railfreight infrastructure of routes to UK ports should be increased as appropriate.’
UKIP recognises the indispensable role played by the motor car in everyday life. It deplores the policies of successive governments and their efforts to oppress and criminalize motorists and to extract revenue from them.
With government and local authority-inspired ‘integrated’ transport schemes proving generally wasteful and ineffectual, UKIP will concentrate available resources on measures designed to keep traffic moving. These would include
· Reducing existing traffic lights at roundabouts to flashing orange operation.
· Replacing traffic lights-controlled junctions with roundabouts.
· Wider use of smart traffic lights and orange flashing signals.
· Conversion of traffic calming into traffic flow without compromising safety.
· Introduction of higher, staged speed limits on motorways.
· Prohibiting overtaking by lorries on motorways.
· Downgrading bus lanes from ‘no entry’ to ‘no obstruction’ status.
· The use of speed cameras will be examined and unless it can be proved they reduce accidents their use will be discontinued. They will never be used solely as a means of raising revenue.
UKIP does not advocate the abandonment of the Road Fund Licence in favour of higher fuel duty, on account of the unfair burden this would impose on the less well off. However, we would introduce a staged system in order to reflect and encourage the use of greener and smaller vehicles. For example:
· Abolition for new vehicles of less than 1.3 litres and all solar, hybrid or electric vehicles.
· Vehicles of 1.3 litres and above charged at a flat rate of (£10?) per 100cc engine capacity.
UKIP would tackle road fund licence evasion by requiring the licence to be presented to the insurers to obtain insurance, rather than vice-versa. Vehicles would then be required to display only an insurance disk . vehicles without a valid insurance disk would be immobilized/impounded.
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Health, Social Security and Pensions.
(1) HEALTH
It is a truth, universally accepted, that our National Health Service (NHS) is in need of critical treatment.
In many respects the NHS works well in providing excellent care at a lower cost compared with systems in other countries, thanks to the doctors, nurses and other health professionals who work immensely hard to maintain standards. Problems arise, however, because of management methods, originating from government, that are too centralised, cumbersome and bureaucratic. Increasingly, directives and regulations from Brussels, especially the EU Working Time Directives affecting hours of work, are threatening the ability of our hospitals to deliver healthcare.
Private funding Initiatives (PFI) have been foisted on the public by the government to keep Public Sector Borrowing (PSB) within EU limits. It is also a disgrace that part of the NHS budget is being spent on ‘preparation’ for the introduction of the euro.
The existence of the MRSA virus in most of our hospitals and the subsequent threat to the lives of patients is a national disgrace. The re-introduction of the Matron system (called for in our 2001 Manifesto) is now vital as is the need to maintain all cleaning responsibilities within the hospital organisational structure.
It is important that patients are treated with respect and understanding e.g. (word missing -can’t read my own writing!) UKIP will abolish all ‘mixed’ wards.
Private health insurance schemes should be tax-deductible.
Proposed policy.
‘NHS healthcare will continue to be free at the point of delivery but only to those who have paid into the system.
Funding for the NHS, in particular through PFI, will be reviewed as will be the organisational and bureaucratic structures within the Service.
Medical school places will be increased, as a matter of urgency, to bolster the supply of doctors on government scholarships.
(Re-introduce the concept of ‘cottage’/district hospitals)
Government targets and league tables will be abolished.
Payments for private healthcare schemes will be made tax-deductible.’
(2) ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES
European Union legislation, and in particular the ‘Herbal Medicines Products’, ‘Vitamins and Minerals’ and ‘Food Supplements’ directives which are mainly concerned with expensive, unnecessary licensing procedures, will greatly reduce the range of alternative medicines, herbal products, vitamin and mineral substances now freely available to the public in the UK. Millions in Britain, who regularly turn to alternative forms of treatment will be denied the ability to choose these alternative remedies.
Proposed Policy
‘The unnecessary testing and licensing of alternative forms of medicines and treatments required by EU law and in particular under the EU ‘Herbal Medicines Products’ directive, will cease’.
(3) FAMILY VALUES
Background.
UKIP sees the family unit as being at the heart of society. Successive governments have not supported this vital institution and allowed mothers, who wish to stay at home to bring up their children in a stable environment, the means to do so. This can be done by a better and fairer tax system for families who may be struggling with heavy financial commitments, forcing both parents to work. Whilst the UKIP is not in favour of ‘same-sex marriages’ and child adoption by same-sex partners, until such time as the public has been asked. We would ensure that legislation is introduced to safeguard the legal rights of those in that type (kind?) of relationship,
Proposed policy.
‘In support of the traditional family unit UKIP will research a system of taxation that will encourage its continuance.’ UKIP will also introduce legislation to safeguard the rights of individuals in ‘same-sex’ relationships.
(4) EDUCATION
Background
The education of our young people is of prime importance as well as an investment in the future. For far too long successive governments have interfered with the education system to the point where many good teachers have left the profession in desperation at the burdens and added bureaucracy placed on them. The UKIP would abandon the current practice of league tables and remove the competition element between schools. Support would be given to schools that are failing their pupils.
The UKIP would do away with the SATS system of testing and leave assessments to the people who know best - the teachers. Today, schoolchildren are assailed by a mass of tests and examinations to the point where teachers are concentrating on getting good results for their school rather than on the best interests of the child. We would re-introduce the whole class system of teaching, particularly for younger children. In this way discipline in the classroom can be better maintained. Emphasis would be placed on numeracy and literacy.
At eleven years of age there would be a national examination that would enable teachers to further assess a child’s ability with a view to streaming.
The comprehensive system has significantly failed in the education of young people, consequently UKIP envisages the setting up of technical schools for those who, at the age of fourteen, do not wish to pursue an academic career. Financial and logistic support would be given for apprenticeships involving local businesses to meet the needs of those businesses and to encourage other companies to re-locate to the local area.
In higher education, schools would be encouraged to offer better facilities in the teaching of the sciences and engineering, areas where Britain is falling behind the rest of the world, where once we used to lead. Extra funding would be available to accommodate those courses
Tuition fees for universities would be dropped as students would be funded from central government through a locally based education committee, who would be better placed to help and encourage their local schools, colleges and universities.
From primary school onwards more sporting activities in the school curriculum would be compulsory and UKIP would prevent any further disposal of school playing fields.
Proposed policy
‘Much of the bureaucracy and paperwork now demanded of teachers will be abolished. This includes the imposition of league tables.
The SATS system of testing and assessing will be abolished.
Common sense classroom discipline will be left to individual teachers and will be supported.
There will be an emphasis on numeracy and literacy.
Apprenticeships will be re-introduced and encouraged.
University tuition fees will be dropped.
Sport will be encouraged at all levels of learning and there will be no further disposal of school playing fields.’
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Economy
(1) FISCAL POLICY
Background
The incentives facing any Chancellor of the Exchequer are to maintain tax revenue whilst spending on benefits. Under the present Government the rules for benefits and all forms of taxation (income tax, company tax, VAT, capital taxes) have become hopelessly over-complicated. Reporting and assessing tax liabilities and benefit entitlements have become serious burdens. The beneficiaries are the armies of civil servants, the lawyers, the professional advisers and those that abuse the system.
Just as damaging, current arrangements discourage earning and saving, providing for self and family, and employing others - with the burden falling particularly on small businesses.
Proposed policy
‘The UK Independence Party is determined to reduce all regulatory burdens and we insist that simplification and attention to the adverse incentives of the tax-benefit system must form part of this exercise. We will review the shortcomings of current taxation and government spending and will invite discussion as to how they should be reformed.
The presentation of The Budget to the nation, in the House of Commons, will be in such a form that it is clear, concise and easily understood by all’.
(2) COUNCIL TAX
Background.
Council Tax is a tax on the market value of one’s home. It is a tax with a collection rate close to 100% and is a rough and ready system of paying part of the costs for local services. Council tax has become an exorbitant proportion of people’s expenditure due to Government policy to reduce Revenue Support Grant.
The principal of ‘ability to pay’ fails when people retire but continue to live in the home they have purchased on reduced means. As the purchase of a home represents some part of one’s savings or wealth, then Council Tax could be considered another form of tax on savings.
Over the past seven years Council Tax has risen under Labour by more than the rate of inflation. This is because Central Government has reduced Revenue Support Grant to local Government. Council Tax is now a serious tax burden, particularly for the low-paid, those on fixed incomes and the elderly.
A hidden, percentage of Council Tax is being used to meet EU administrative costs in this country.
Upon leaving the EU the UKIP estimate that £billions can be cut from Council Tax bills.
Proposed policy
‘The substantial savings from not funding the EU budget and other EU expenses will mean the Revenue Support Grant being substantially increased allowing Council Tax to be cut across all bands and even abolished for Bands A and B.
A new band ‘I’ to be created for £320,000 to £1m and Band ‘J’ for over £1m, but Council Tax not to exceed present Band H.
Single occupiers to pay half of standard Council Tax.
(3) Postal Service
Once the envy of the world, the British Postal Service has been systematically destroyed by EU Directives 97/67/EC and 2002/39 in order to introduce an EU universal postal service. In reality this has meant the end of the Royal Mail’s guaranteed share of the postal market, the selling-off of the more profitable parts of the service, often to foreign competitors, the loss of thousands of jobs, the closure of hundreds of post offices and all against a background of rising costs to the public.
Proposed policy
The Postal Service in Britain will be the subject of a review followed by the implementation of measures designed to restore the nationwide network of post offices, large and small, and a service that is efficient and cost-effective.
(4) Pensions
Appendix notes to manifesto re:
House of Lords
1. Safeguarding citizen’s/subject’s rights over House of Commons
2. Partially elected, retaining (92) hereditary peers. Representative cross-section of the county/society based as much on geography as population.
3. Should consist of representatives from the counties not specifically political, but those who serve the community - talented/altruistic - not government cronies.
4. Term for elected members should be for ten years to allow the Upper House to take a longer view on legislation initiated by the House of Commons. Replaced on a “by-election’ basis. County peers.
posted by Martin @ 5:49 PM
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