UKIP

Was in a bit of a ranting mood the other day so I wrote to UKIP. a political party in Britain who campaign against UK membership of the European Union and against uncontrolled immigration.

This is what I wrote. It could have been better but I seldom think first.

I am not a political activist but I am a British citizen. I do feel that there is change in the air. For too long this country has been governed by a political class mostly far removed from the people they are supposed to represent. It is time for the British people to regain their independence. But independence in what form?




immigration is the main issue I keep hearing in the news. Not in Somerset. Most people don’t give it a second thought. There are more pressing matters that concern them.




Health costs.




It is a disgrace that all the main parties insist on impoverishing the sick and elderly by making them pay for care costs. A large number have paid NHI for their entire working lives and then see all they have saved for spent on their care. I know the major parties will say that we can’t afford cradle to the grave care funded by the government but with some changes in priorities we can.




Sharing information.




The NHS and other departments seem to be spending billions on IT systems to store and share information which mostly do not work. The means to do this already exists It is called the Cloud. It should be relatively cheap to write programmes to encrypt information and post in a secure manner.




Policing.




The admin burden seems to be too great and the numbers of policemen too few. People want to see policemen on the beat. A physical deterrent. There are plenty of Policemen leaving aged 55 who could work on as clerks to complete paper-work.




Armed Forces.




We all want to feel secure. (See above). It is time we realised we are not the worlds Policeman. We all want forces we can be proud in and are suited to our current needs. A strong Navy capable of securing transport routes in time of need. An Air force capable of defending our shores. A strong nuclear deterrent to deter possible aggressors. Security is not something to be played with.




Immigration.




If we can not provide the workers with the qualifications and ability needed in this modern world then those who have the skills we need should come in with a verifiable offer of employment. Although I would support a system of positive discrimination in the job market. Priority to be given to British citizens when qualifications and ability match.




I feel the Party could benefit from a little re-branding. What should the Independent stand for. Independence from outside interference. Independence to trade with whomever we wish. Independence from fear of impoverishment in sickness and old age. Independence from fear on our streets. Independence to say what we believe.




I do think that the time has come for change. Credit where it is due. The Tory economic policies have worked to turn the country around. But with little care to individual suffering. We all know that with Labour there will be a short honeymoon period where jobs will be created using borrowed money but soon the shortfalls in their economics policies will show and it will be back to financial crisis after crisis. The Lib Dems I’m sure have some policies on the economy but I can’t recall any.