UKIP capitalises on people’s desperation

UKIP’s vote in the Clacton and Heywood & Middleton by-elections is no surprise. It continues the political upheaval they started in the European elections.

Capitalizing on people’s desperation — and with a lot of slick publicity — they have managed to paint themselves as an alternative, as something different from the mainstream. But behind the pints it’s the same old crew, with an added nasty racist twist.

These by-elections will spark a hundred theories about why so many people are voting for a party that thinks the poor should pay the same rate of tax as the rich and that plans to privatise the NHS – not obvious vote winners.

The answer is that they have managed to turn people’s anger and frustration with “austerity” and cuts onto migrants, Europe, LGBT, people with HIV and AIDS…..anyone except the bankers, brokers and billionaires who caused the crisis in the first place.

But they didn’t manage that all by themselves. Cameron and Miliband have helped them every step of the way. Instead of offering some hope of an end to homelessness, poverty and cuts, the Tories and Labour have offered more austerity and attacks on immigration. They have allowed UKIP’s racism to make the running.

Reckless lied to his own (former) party to pull off a stunt during the Tory party conference. That’s not radical and it’s not anti-establishment – just the same old Westminster farce, playing games while people struggle to cope with low wages, longer NHS waiting lists and benefit cuts.

Jo Cardwell of Stand Up to UKIP says:

We are determined to expose UKIP for what they really are – a party that panders to racism, sexism and homophobia to protect their millionaire backers.

Stand up to UKIP is holding an activist meeting on the weekend of 8/9 November for all those in UKIPs target seats. Get in touch for more information.