UKIP - The Politics Series

The Politics Series continues today with an interview from Jonathan Arnott, a UKIP MEP. We've already heard from Ian Geary for Labour, and Colin Bloom for the Conservatives (see this introduction for some background, and Johnny's great post on why Christians disagree on Politics). I won't take up any more reading time, so please enjoy Jonathan's responses to our questions (in bold) ahead of the General Election. For more on Jonathan, see the bottom of the post.

- { How would you describe your party’s political vision in one sentence? }-

Freedom, independence, democracy: bringing power back to the people from politicians at every level, minimising State interference in our daily lives.

-{ What myth/accusation/misunderstanding about your party most frustrates you? }-

The vast majority of countries control immigration.  But when UKIP proposes a fair, ethical, colour-blind points-based immigration system we're accused of racism.  Despite the fact that we're the only Party proposing treating everyone in the world equally not discriminating in favour of the EU28.  And of course, if a UKIP candidate says something stupid it's headline news - but if other parties do the same, even very serious stuff, nothing happens.

-{ What one thing your party has done in the last 25 years makes you, as a Christian, most proud? }-

Our willingness to stand up for what we believe is right, even when it isn't popular.  At a time when the public were barely aware of the worst excesses of the European Union, we stood against it.  Without UKIP, would anyone know about the EU accounts not being signed off (auditors expressing an 'adverse opinion') for 19 years in a row for example?  We're prepared to stand against the poor value for money in HS2, to stand against a short-termist energy policy which pushes introducing renewables before the technology was ready, pushing prices up and forcing many pensioners to choose between heating and eating.  And against the way in which gay marriage was introduced, a fundamental change without a Manifesto commitment or a referendum: the people should have been consulted.

-{ Is there any particular in your faith/Christianity that motivates you in your political work? }-

On a day-to-day basis, although I'm a Christian I'm here to represent everyone not just Christians - so in an average working week my motivation is to help people and do the right thing where possible.  Yes, that's certainly a Christian thing to do (to love your neighbour as yourself, for example).  But in a broader context, I'm drawn to the Parable of the Unjust Judge.  If, as Christians, we stand up for what is true, what is just, what is right - then eventually we can expect to achieve what we aim for, however difficult the road.  I'm a member of the European Parliament, and the place is quite bleak and almost depressing - it's important to remember that, however difficult it feels to make a difference, however bad the situation may seem, progress may be closer than we feel.

-{ How did you first get into politics? }-

I felt that I couldn't support Labour, Conservatives or Lib Dems in 2001 for moral reasons (the first time I was old enough to vote at a General Election).  But I believed that if something's wrong, we should try to do something about it.  So I looked around, and I saw a Party which was tiny at the time - UKIP.   I thought that if I got involved, at the very least I'd have someone to vote for in my local area - and perhaps I could help the Party turn into something bigger.  

-{ Why should be people vote and be involved in society? }-

In the words of Edmund Burke, all that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.  If you do not vote, or do not play an active role in society, then you forfeit the chance to make a difference.  The essence of practical Christianity is to love your neighbour as yourself, which reflects God's love for you.  Whether it's charitable work, helping your (literal) next-door neighbour, or taking a part in democratic society, if we do nothing then we surrender the chance to shape the society in which we live as a force for good.

-{ What is the most important area/issue this election? }-

At every election the economy is a key issue, but this time we're at a crossroads.  We have seen some kind of economic recovery, generally driven in the City and financial markets which hasn't really reached the average person.  We could easily fall back into recession, or we could move forward.  And it's vital that we support our small businesses, create more jobs and give the freedom to the economy to allow it to recover.

-{ What two policies/priorities which your party has this election do you want Christians in particular to know about? }-

Christians care passionately about moral issues, but they're currently decided on a free vote in Parliament.  So we champion direct democracy, allowing the public to call a referendum on key moral issues.

Secondly, understanding our view on Foreign Aid.  We believe in ending trade sanctions, developing the poorest countries through trade - and giving targeted financial help to assist with natural disasters, clean water, innoculations, Ebola, etc. - not giving money to 19 of the world's 20 most corrupt nations as we do at present.  It's a caring policy, portrayed by our opponents as the opposite.

-{ What other five policies/priorities which your party has this election do you want everyone to know? }-

• That leaving the European Union doesn't mean isolationism - we'd continue to be good neighbours with Europe and trade with them (as guaranteed by Treaty), but we would be able to develop our links with the wider world, like Switzerland has been able to do so well.
• Raising the tax threshold so that no-one on a standard working week would pay any Income Tax.  It's a tax cut for all, but disproportionately helps the poorest in society.
• Investing an extra £3 billion per year into our NHS.
• Protecting our greenbelt by opposing HS2 (which will cost tens of billions and just doesn't provide value for money) and prioritising building on brownfield sites instead.
• Properly enforcing the law in relation to female genital mutilation and forced marriages, - it's a disgrace that no-one has yet been successfully prosecuted in the UK for FGM.

-{ In a sentence, why should someone vote for your party on May 7th? }-

We offer a genuine alternative to the Lab/Con/LD cosy consensus which has dominated British politics since time immemorial but so little is done to help ordinary people: as Albert Einstein once said, the definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.

-{ Where can someone find out more about their local UKIP candidate? }-

Details of all UKIP candidates are going online at http://www.myukip.com/ppc-constituencies-a-z.html

Jonathan Arnott is the UKIP MEP (Member of the European Parliament for the North East of England. You can follow him on Twitter here.

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I hope this interview on UKIP's policies and vision has helped you think through your vote if you link politics to faith. Watch this blog or our social media feeds for updates over the coming weeks. In the meantime, I'd love to connect with you via Facebook, or you can find myself and Johnny on Twitter.