Why do we need the UK Independence Party?
Because our established political parties are committed to keeping Britain in the European Union! By contrast, the 'UKIP' would restore full authority to our parliament in Westminster. This cannot be done unless Britain withdraws from the treaties that bind us to the EU.
Why are you so opposed to the EU?
We are not opposed to the EU as such - simply to Britain being part of it. The EU is essentially a political institution that has created a Franco-German power axis. It's a far cry from the trading community the British thought they were voting for in 1975!
The corrupt and wasteful way in which it operates reflects how the individual countries manipulate it for their own ends. Yet it's money from Britain's taxpayers that helps keep the whole shambles afloat.
The EU is opposed to the open, global trading culture on which British interests depend. In other words, we joined the wrong club! This explains why we always lose out - and why we'll never change things.
How do you hope to achieve your objectives?
We aim to show that Britain's membership of a monster, single European State is not inevitable. UKIP candidates at elections give people the opportunity to show their support for this view.
In the June 2004 Euro elections, UKIP won twelve seats. The way things develop will depend on how the other parties respond to the fact that a sizeable proportion of the electorate wants Britain to leave the EU - and that's despite all the pro EU propaganda.
What will your MEPs do in the European Parliament?
They will be reporting back on what is really going on there in order to raise public awareness of the EU agenda. They will report back on the real scale of corruption and incompetence in the Brussels bureaucracy. Their presence will ensure that the strong public support for keeping the pound and British independence is no longer ignored.
If Britain left the EU, would she not be excluded from European trade?
Not at all! The EU member states do not trade just amongst themselves, but with countries throughout the world. Although Switzerland and Norway are not members, both do proportionately more trade with the EU than we do; this doesn't say much for the so-called 'advantages' of our EU membership.
No one suggests that we have to become the 51st American State in order to trade with the USA, so why must we be 'part of Europe' so that we can trade with Europe? As it is, we buy far more from EU countries than we sell to them, so it would hardly be in their interests to obstruct trade with Britain
But can we afford financially to leave the EU?
Britain pays £30 million a day into the EU budget. Yes, we get some money back, but this is mostly in the form of 'grants' for projects that are not always of our choosing, and market-distorting farm subsidies. We are effectively begging for our own money. EU tax harmonisation measures - especially the planned with holding tax - will do great damage to our financial institutions. The job losses that result won't be confined to the City of London.
The reality is that we can't afford to stay in!
But won't Britain lose influence in the world?
Yes - if we stay in the EU! Britain is a member of the UN, NATO, G7/8 and other world organisations. When the EU becomes one country - with common economic, foreign and defence policies - Britain will lose its seat and its voice. Britain still attends International Monetary Fund meetings as a full member. Germany, France and other euro zone countries have had to give up their seats - their 'interests' are now represented by the European Central Bank!
In any case, Britain is consistently outvoted on EU committees by 'partners' who do not share our values. For years, we have urged reform of the iniquitous Common Agricultural Policy, which has brought British farming to its knees. Yet the countries that benefit from the status quo block any proposals for serious reform.
Similarly, the enforced pooling of our fishing grounds with the other EU members has resulted in the virtual destruction of Britain's fishing fleet. EU fishing policy has created a major international environmental catastrophe. By contrast, Norway, free from EU meddling, has conserved and increased her fish stocks.
Won't foreign investors pull out if we leave the EU?
Companies invest in other countries only when it is profitable for them to do so. Our business culture, lower taxes and fewer rules, and the English language have made Britain a magnet to foreign investors. 'Eurosceptic' Britain now receives half of all inward investment in the EU - much of it from other EU countries. Breaking free from EU rules and restrictions will encourage even more investment in Britain. Raising our business costs to the levels of other EU countries would send out a completely wrong signal.
Surely we'll have to join the single currency eventually?
Only if we stay in the EU! London is a major world financial centre - by far the biggest in Europe. Far from being weakened, the 'City' is reckoned to be stronger now than when the euro was launched!
The point to emphasise is that the euro is not primarily about economics but politics. By joining the euro, we would signal that we are prepared to let this country be ruled by a corrupt politburo. If the Pound were to go, we'd be stuck in the EU forever!
But doesn't business want the euro?
Some big companies say they want the euro but these are mostly the big multi-nationals that are keen on the benefits of simplified accountancy structures. Many of these companies have the least involvement with the EU in terms of investment, turnover and profits.
The majority of small businesses, which accuont for 95% of British companies, do not want the euro. Nine jobs out of ten in Britain have no connection with EU export markets, but they are all put at risk by the cost of complying with the 'single market'.
Surely consumers will benefit from the euro?
That's highly unlikely. Although short term interest rates in mainland Europe are currently lower than in Britain, there is no reason to think that mortgages, or the cost of borrowing generally, would be lower. Being in the euro means that the important economic decisions will be taken in Frankfurt and Brussels. VAT, income tax and other taxes will rise if we are forced to 'converge' up to levels needed to run the single European economy
What about the idea of 'being in the EU but not run by it'?
It may sound fine, but it's just not on. The EU is about nothing less than binding the individual nation states into one giant federation. If Continental politicians can be 'up front' about it, why can't ours? Even if we could resist further federalism, we'd still be stuck with the 30000 regulations already in force - and of course, the EU's scandalous policies on farming and fishing.
I can see I should join you - how do I go about it?