Changes

[[File:Farage.jpg|thumb|240px|UKIP's leader, Nigel Farage, takes libertarian positions]]

[[File:Farage.jpg|thumb|200px|UKIP's leader, Nigel Farage, wants to take Britain out of Europe and cut off immigration]]

 

The '''United Kingdom Independence Party''', also known by the acronym '''UKIP''', is a British political party. Founded in 1993, it campaigns for [[British]] withdrawal from the [[European Union]] (EU). Its support-base is made up substantially of right-wing voters disaffected from other parties and fearful of Europe and immigration.  

The '''United Kingdom Independence Party''', also known by the acronym '''UKIP''', is a British political party. Founded in 1993, it campaigns for [[British]] withdrawal from the [[European Union]] (EU). Its support-base is made up substantially of right-wing voters disaffected from other parties and fearful of Europe and immigration.  

 

In the British Parliament, UKIP has one representative, Bob Spink, in Commons (having won only 2.4% of the vote in the 2005 general election) and 2 members in the [[House of Lords]]. However it did well and won 16% of the vote and 12 of the UK's 78 seats in the [[European Parliament]] in the 2004 European elections.

In the British Parliament, UKIP has one representative, [[Bob Spink]] in Commons (having won only 2.4% of the vote in the 2005 general election) and 2 members in the [[House of Lords]]. However id did well and won 12 of the UK's 78 seats in the [[European Parliament]] in the 2004 European elections.

UKIP's present leader, Nigel Farage, is attempting to present the party as having a broad political agenda extending beyond withdrawal from the [[EU]]. Consistently with this aim, he is seeking to shorten the party's name to "the Independence Party".

UKIP's present leader, Nigel Farage, is attempting to present the party as having a broad political agenda extending beyond withdrawal from the [[EU]]. Consistently with this aim, he is seeking to shorten the party's name to "the Independence Party".

UKIP attracts alienated voters especially on the right who fear Britain is being swallowed up by Europe and must fight back.  It left the right-wing "British National Party" in the shadows.  It has a [[libertarian]] economic agenda. It proposes  a flat tax of 33% and opposes national identity cards.  It rejects environmentalism.  

UKIP attracts alienated voters especially on the right who fear Britain is being swallowed up by Europe and must fight back.  Its bitter rival was the less respected right-wing "British National Party", which has faded away in the polls as UKIP grow.  UKIP has endorsed a [[libertarian]] economic agenda. It proposes  a flat tax of 33% and opposes national identity cards.  It rejects environmentalism.