The repulsive rise of UKIP
Jim Jepps
In a shock poll today the UK Independence Party seems to have surged
ahead in the run up to the Euro elections on June 10th.
Whilst both the Tories and Labour have lost 5% the
YouGov poll shows a clear surge for the UKIP which, if translated into
votes on the day itself would mean around a dozen UKIP MEP's far more
than their current three.
This would also mean the LibDems were relegated to
fourth place despite their increased share of the vote, which could have
a deep impact on their share of the number of MEPs.
The poll also showed the BNP as polling just 3%, far
below what they would need to win an MEP, even with the proportional
voting system.
If the Green vote, as indicated, remains static this
could mean that they lose their well respected MEPs Caroline Lucas and
Jean Lambert, due to the decreasing number of MEPs that the UK will be
returning.
Also clearly worrying is that RESPECT is having
difficulty breaking through the recognition barrier to sweep up the
anti-war vote. Although there has been some press and radio coverage,
the organisation has found it difficult to gets its voice heard in the
media, Guardian letters pages aside.
If RESPECT is to turn its fortunes around it needs to
make an impact as soon as possible, and in particular in those areas
that are all postal voting - where ballot papers have just been sent
off.
May 2004