Anti-extremist organisation Hope not Hate have called a national weekend of action to campaign against the UK Independence Party and expose what it calls ‘the real UKIP’, revealing the truth about its policies and views.
Two weeks ago the organisation’s Nick Lowles condemned Nigel Farage’s comments on the Paris terrorist attacks in which the UKIP leader blamed immigration and multiculturalism. Lowles said: “Farage’s incendiary language is dangerous and will only whip up fear, suspicion and hatred. He is clearly moving to the right, so we need to redouble our efforts to stop him and his party.
“With just 65 days to go until the general election, we need to step up our campaign. UKIP boast that it will win several seats and, more worryingly, could hold the balance of power in a hung parliament. UKIP also poses a real threat in 410 council wards.”
Hope not Hate has produced a range of leaflets for the weekend of action, and is calling on people to sign up and get involved.
It’s also created a new website dedicated to making sure people hear the truth about UKIP.
“Don’t you just find it infuriating when a UKIP spokesperson comes on television and hides their real views or just changes policy on the spot?” said Lowles. “UKIP are all things to all people and simply say what it thinks people want to hear.
“HOPE not hate’s campaign theme is about exposing the real UKIP. It’s about getting behind the headlines and revealing the truth about its policies and views.
“UKIP now claims that it loves the NHS, but four of its five leading figures in the party all support its break-up and privatization. UKIP says it is the party of working people yet its tax policies heavily favour the rich.
Hope not Hate have also created a map highlighting the key constituencies at risk in the elections and Lowles has written an essay explaining why Hope not Hate is taking on UKIP.
“There is a battle for the type of society we want to live in,” said Lowles. “Yes, we need to address the many problems that are out there and have an answer to the economic insecurity of those feel left behind by our changing society, but we must also stand up and defend our multi-ethnic and multicultural society.
“Our message is slowly getting through,” he added. “An opinion poll found that 44% of Britons think UKIP is a racist party – up 12% on last year – and 37% associate the party with the word ‘nasty’. This is good but we have a lot more work to do.
“So, if you are appalled by Farage whipping up hatred and are worried about UKIP holding the balance of power, then please sign up to get involved.”
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