UKIP

With the 2015 general elections around the corner, I decided to research more into the parties and their policies. Wanting to particularly understand more about UKIP, I ventured into their website.

1.  Protecting jobs and increasing prosperity

Aware of the nation-wide concern involving unemployment, UKIP have made clear their interest in ‘protecting jobs and increasing prosperity’. How will this be achieved?

“UKIP would not seek to remain in the European Free Trade Area or European Economic Area” since, accordingly, they impend the UK’s ability to mange their borders. Yes, these are treaties that allow for immigrants to work in the U.K., but they are the same treaties that allow for British citizens to go work in any participating EU country. Equally, they have contributed vastly to the ease of travel that we now have the luxury of enjoying in Europe. 

Also, important to note, the unemployment rate in the UK has actually been decreasing, which begs the question: is such drastic action really needed? 

2. Leave the EU

Carrying on reading through their ‘Policies for People’, the party makes it clear how, if elected, the UK will leave the EU and will save “at least £8bn pa in net contributions”. Interestingly, they don’t explore the other one hundred issues that would ensue with such action.

3. Leave the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights”. 

This speaks for itself.

4. The discourse: immigrants are stealing jobs!

It is transparent as to why these policies are so concerning for me, given my status as a foreigner in the country. These policies, however, have a far greater impact than the lifestyle (and job choices) that I could potentially have in the future. The discourse employed by UKIP, and all political parties, should be well analysed before adopted as your own belief.

Immigrants are not “stealing” jobs: we are not waiting for you to trip over so we can take your career. Moreover, if the concern is with immigrants taking low paid jobs, then perhaps the question should be: why are there such low paid jobs? 

UKIP tactfully blends in with their negative discourse on immigrants and the EU policies that make even me want to vote for them. After all, who wouldn’t be interested in voting for a party who is looking into the reduction of University tuition fees? For there to be more free-parking on the high-streets? And to continue pensioner bus passes?  

Like any political party, UKIP has policies that can be considered more than appealing. Careful attention, however, should be placed on the discourse employed and the ideas that are generated as a result.

What are your opinions on voting for UKIP?