Former UKIP MEP trying to trick voters into backing protest party

Former UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass, who left the party in a huff after being deselected last year, has registered his An Independence Party vanity project's slogan for ballot papers as "UK Independence Now".

The party name is very similar to UK Independence Party and clearly intended to trick voters into thinking they're voting for UKIP. Add in the "UK Independence Now" slogan and it's obvious that Nattrass intends to confuse voters.

An Independence Party has managed to stand a full slate of candidates in England which is quite an achievement for a single issue protest party although it's mostly been achieved with family members, disgruntled ex-UKIPpers and by parachuting candidates in from the West Midlands. Every AIP candidate for Yorkshire & Humber, for instance, lives in Coventry or Solihull. Interestingly, Chris Pain who only a few months ago was appealing against a decision to expel him from UKIP is lead candidate for the East of England with his wife - whose name inadvertently appeared as the author in the properties of a supposedly anonymous Word document distributed to  UKIP members inciting rebellion over the MEP selection process - is in second place. How many deposits Nattrass has had to pay to get a full slate of candidates who have no realistic hope of winning is something we'll have to wait to find out when their election expenses statements are filed.

UKIP has yet to make a formal complaint but the party chairman met with the Electoral Commission yesterday and a spokesman has said that the party will fight it all the way and seek judicial review if necessary.

Smeargate steps up a gear

The anti-UKIP smear campaign being run by the press shows no sign of letting up with both Nikki Sinclaire and Mike Nattrass being drafted in to help with the personal attacks on Nigel Farage.

Yesterday's Mirror quotes Nattrass - who left the party after failing to be reselected for the EU elections and losing a legal challenge to the decision - claiming that Nigel Farage was given a bottle of 7-Up as a prize for having sex with a 25 year old Latvian woman 7 times in one night. That would be a pretty impressive achievement for anyone, let alone a middle-aged chain smoking heavy drinker. It's a ridiculous story and a decent journalist would have seen it as such straight away.

They also repeat the claim by Nikki Sinclaire - another former UKIP MEP with a grudge - that Farage has been sleeping with Annabelle Fuller, his former assistant. This story has been put about for years and repeatedly denied but Sinclaire brought it up again publicly in the EU parliament where she can claim parliamentary privilege from the safety of the belly of the beast.

What Sinclaire, Nattrass and the journalists writing this crap are all forgetting is that whilst it might benefit their careers to sling mud at Farage, he has a wife and children. Their politically motivated smears aren't just attacking him, they're causing distress to him and his children as well and of course poor Anabelle is being hounded by the press yet again asking the same questions she's been getting for the best part of a decade.

Nikki Sinclaire and Mike Nattrass are only interested in trying to keep their seats in the EU parliament and don't care who they hurt in the process but the papers have already been rapped on the knuckles over this sort of thing by the Leveson Inquiry and should know better. Politically motivated attacks are to be expected but when innocent partners and children are brought into it, that's a step too far.

Trouble at t'mill

It's been a disappointing couple of days for UKIP with Mike Nattrass MEP resigning from UKIP in protest at failing the selection process for the EU elections in 2014 and Cllr Chris Pain forming a new group on Lincolnshire County Council with two other UKIP councillors.

↑ Trouble ↑

Mike's motives are pretty transparent and unavoidable really without overruling the decision of the independent panel of head hunters and recruitment consultants as to who made the shortlist.  Chris Pain's decision is undoubtedly in response to him being suspended from the party despite the police dropping a racism case against him without charge.

No reason was given for Mike failing the MEP selection process but the decision was made by independent consultants and Mike's claims of cronyism and rule breaking just don't stand up to scrutiny. Nigel Farage had no part in the selection process because he's a candidate and had to go through the same selection process as everyone else.

The reason for the suspension of Chris Pain has also not been made public but is likely to be in response to an email that was distributed a week or so ago trying to stir up rebellion amongst the membership over the selection process that he was also unsuccessful in.

Whether the decisions were right or not is a moot point - nobody knows enough about what's happened to know whether they were or not - but both cases could undoubtedly have been handled better.  In both cases the membership are getting one side of the story from the aggrieved party and their supporters (who are also only getting one side of the story) because there is virtual silence from the party. This will have all blown over in a couple of weeks but someone needs to do some damage limitation now before it gets out of hand.

SPIRALING COST OF EU MEMBERSHIP A DISGRACE

UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass says it is clear Britain should stop being the victim of the EU rip off after new figures revealed the spiralling cost of EU membership.

The UK’s net contribution to the EU is set to soar from £4.1bn in 2009/10 to £6.4bn next year at a time when Britain is in a deep economic recession and pensioners fear they could be means tested to see of they qualify for a free bus pass.

Mr Nattrass says the figures show more and more money is being given by Britain to the EU which continues to pour our hard earned cash down the drain and these are not the full figures anyway.

The true cost in taking on the burden of EU legislation and controls is estimated at close to £150 bln per year.

“It is time Britain said NO to the EU and no to having our money being wasted by the EU,” said Mr Nattrass.

“Our net contribution will rise at a time when people fear losing their homes, jobs and businesses. The money would be better spent on our hospitals, schools and helping the economy to recover.

“EU membership is costing us dearly and when 70 per cent of our laws are being made by a parliament where Britain has little say you can see that you have lost your country.

“Our decisions should be made in Westminster and not in Brussels. The UKIP objective is for Britain to leave the EU and for laws to be made by British people for British people,” he added.

UKIP Double seats in West Midlands !

Mike Nattrass and Nikki Sinclaire are set to go to Brussels !

Conservative 396,847 28.1 (+0.7) 2 0

UK Independence Party 300,471 21.3 (+3.8) 2 +1

Labour 240,201 17. (-6.4) 1 -1

Liberal Democrats 170,246 12. (-1.7) 1

Mike Nattrass says ‘the fourth’ is with UKIP

West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass says ‘the fourth’ is with UKIP following news that Darth Vader is backing the UK Independence Party. Actor David Prowse MBE, who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, has announced his support for UKIP in the coming June 4 European elections.

His announcement shows Darth has turned from the dark side to back a political party committed to withdrawing Britain from the European Union.David said: “I’ve looked right and left and right again and the only party I can safely vote for is UKIP.

“I have a message for those considering how to vote. Firstly, stop, look and listen to what is being said. “Only UKIP is actually telling us the truth about the European Union and why we need to leave it. May June the fourth be with you.”

Mike Nattrass believes having the backing of ‘Darth Vader’ is great news for UKIP.
“We could do with a trusty lightsaber around the European Parliament to cut the bureaucracy and waste,” said Mr Nattrass. “I welcome David’s backing and I believe the force is now with us to do well in the European elections.

“David played a famous film villain whose sole aim was to fulfill his destiny of ruling space. The European Union wants to fulfill its destiny of ruling Britain and make decisions which should be made in Westminster . “EU membership is costing us dearly – more than £40m per day. Consider, 75 per cent of our laws are being made by a parliament in which we have less than eight per cent influence,” he added.

UKIP Campaign launch

UKIP in the West Midlands launched its European election campaign on Monday 20th April, 2009 with the unveiling of the advertising hoardings, as can be seen in the post below by Josh.

Mike Nattrass MEP, the UK Independence Party lead candidate has made a short video on the launch day which can be seen HERE.

The full list of UKIP European election candidates in the West Midlands are: Mike Nattrass MEP, Nikki Sinclaire, Jill Seymour, Rustie Lee, Malcolm Hurst and Jonathan Oakton - make sure you vote UKIP on June 4th if you want your country back and want to 'Say No' to EU rule.

Mike Nattrass MEP on BBC Politics Show today

West Midlands MEP, Mike Nattrass, will be live on the West Midlands edition of the BBC Politics Show today at around 1 o'clock.

He will be discussing euroscepticism and will be joined by Dave Nellist, the Coventry councillor who has set up a new EU-sceptic socialist party called No2EU to further divide the eurosceptic vote.

UKIP MEP ASKS FOR SMOKING ROOMS IN PUBS

West Midlands UKIP MEP, Mike Nattrass, has launched a major campaign for designated smoking rooms to be reintroduced in public houses to boost the struggling pub industry.

The UKIP MEP said the introduction of the smoking ban in pubs on July 1 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the nation’s pub industry.

With thousands of pubs permanently calling time since the 2008 Budget and with further beer tax increases expected in April’s budget, Mr Nattrass today said the smoking ban, which followed the EU’s Council recommendation 2003/54 calling on all EU member states to “implement legislation providing suitable protection from the effects of passive smoking at working places“, has hit the pub trade hard.

Now, Mr Nattrass has urged members of the community and the pub industry itself to back his campaign for separate ventilated and un-staffed smoking rooms to take their rightful place back in the British local.

Mr Nattrass said: “My view is that smoking in pubs must involve a separate room which is ventilated where no staff are forced to work in the smoke. “It would mean that many customers would return to pubs which are focal points in local communities up and down the country.
“The local pub is at the heart of communities and the introduction of the smoking ban has undermined the British pub,” he added. While UKIP does not like prohibitions and bans in general, UKIP does recognise that the smoking ban has been popular among certain groups, such as families and those wishing to eat out in pubs. However, UKIP believes that a more common sense solution is needed.

UKIP states the smoking ban should be amended to allow pub landlords - freehold, tenanted/leased and managed - and club managers to provide contained and ventilated 'smoking rooms' within pubs and clubs, where customers desire it.

EU to pile more taxes on Trucks

Mike Nattrass UKIP MEP and UKIP's Transport Spokesman today attacked plans by the European Union to put more pressure on the beleaguered road transport sector.

"The new version of the Euro - vignette would be a catastrophe for the HGV sector and the British economy. To be putting extra costs onto transport at this time will just ramp up costs when the wheels are already coming off the economy", he said.

The plan, spearheaded by Belgian socialist MEP Saïd El Khadraoui is to specifically tax air and noise pollution from trucks.

"But", says Mr. Nattrass, "a CO2 tax is completely unnecessary as it is already factored into fuel duty. It is blatant double taxation.

Worse still they leave no option for the operators, they are completely boxed in by this. Why does the EU see it as its role to punish the few remaining businesses without giving any alternate solution. Don't even try and suggest canals, you try and dig them through the Alps"

John Cooke, proprietor of Tameside Transport, an HGV operator said,

"Another crazy idea from Europe. How can you apply a congestion charge to Trucks? If you succeed in forcing trucks off the road, you have empty shops or the haulier has to pass on the costs to their customers. So really it is a tax on industry in the middle of a recession!"

The report can be found here , It was voted on in the Transport Committee of the Parliament today.

UKIP West Midlands Regional Dinner

West Midlands Regional Dinner with the party leader Nigel Farage MEP and local MEP Mike Nattrass + Guests. Three course sit down meal and coffee.

To raise funds for the West Midlands UKIP ''EU Election'' campaign. Please join us for an enjoyable evening on Friday 20th February 2009 7.30 for 8pm Feel free to bring a friend- I'm sure Nigel will be on top form!

Tally HO , Conference Centre , Pershore Road, Birmingham West Midlands B5 7RN Tickets available now at a minimum donation of £25 per person ,

Send cheques to UKIP , PO Box 9876 , Birmingham B6 4DN OR Ring 0121 333 7737

UKIP West Midlands Regional Dinner

West Midlands Regional Dinner with the party leader Nigel Farage MEP and local MEP Mike Nattrass + Guests. Three course sit down meal and coffee.

To raise funds for the West Midlands UKIP ''EU Election'' campaign. Please join us for an enjoyable evening on Friday 20th February 2009 7.30 for 8pm Feel free to bring a friend- I'm sure Nigel will be on top form!

Tally HO , Conference Centre , Pershore Road, Birmingham West Midlands B5 7RN Tickets available now at a minimum donation of £25 per person ,Send cheques to UKIP , PO Box 9876 , Birmingham B6 4DN OR Ring 0121 333 7737

Telford & Wrekin Branch AGM

The AGM of the Telford & Wrekin Branch last night was an interesting one.

As well as members of Telford & Wrekin branch, Mike Nattrass MEP, Nikki Sinclaire (prospective MEP), Malcolm Hurst (PPC), Derek Bennett (West Midlands Regional Organiser) and Roy Wood (Stafford Branch Chairman) came along to lend their support and welcome our newest member, Councillor Denis Allen.

Denis (who was, until recently, Chairman of Wrekin Conservative Association) addressed the branch on why he had decided to leave the Tories and join UKIP instead, on the duplicity of the Tories and the big con on their supposedly eurosceptic credentials. In the time-honoured tradition of our branch, Denis was thrown in at the deep end and elected as Chairman!

One ever-generous member volunteered to pay for twelve (expensive) billboards for the election campaign in the West Midlands which Mike Nattrass said he will match fund out of his own pocket. The branch also agreed to fund one out of branch funds which Mike Nattrass will also match, which means Telford & Wrekin branch has secured 26 billboards for the election campaign. The bar has been set for other branches now, Mike will match-fund whatever is pledged for billboards - drop him a line for more details.

Clarke joins front bench, Tories start to join UKIP

UKIP is gaining members because of Ken Clarke's return to the Tory front bench. "Clarke's views on Europe are so out of line with the bulk of the Tory Party membership that they simply cannot stand being in the same party any more." said Nigel Farage, UKIP leader.

Mike Nattrass, UKIP MEP for the West Midlands said "Only UKIP is firmly committed to leaving the EU so that we can be free and independent once again." "Tory MEPs consistently transfer power to the EU and that Tory policy is confirmed by Clark's return."

The first defector in the West Midlands is Denis Allen. A former Mayor of Wellington, a town councillor in Wellington, a councillor on Telford and Wrekin Unitary Authority and former cabinet member there. Denis has also been the Chairman of the Wrekin Conservative Association. After service as an officer in the RAF Regiment Mr. Allen went on to become a Lt. Colonel in the Light Infantry TA.

"I was already uncomfortable with the way that David Cameron fudged the issue of the Conservative membership of the EPP group in the European Parliament. But the appointment of such a strong europhile like Ken Clarke to the front bench was the last straw. We can see that we can't negotiate from within: they ignored the Dutch and the French referendums and they're ignoring the Irish now. We have to leave so that we can rule ourselves." said Denis Allen. "That's why I joined UKIP, the only party advocating that Britain should be ruled by the British."

Mike Nattrass added " Tory MEPs put their Group allowances into the "Yes" campaign and that says it all."

A tribute to Sir Dai Llewellyn from Mike Nattrass MEP

Friends,

You will already have seen testimonials from Nigel and others on Sir Dai LLewellwyn who departed this world last week.Sir Dai lived in the fast lane and lived his life the way he wanted to live it.

He laughed a lot and he drank a lot and he gave others an amazing lift with his carefree style and believe me he had style.

His smile and laughter were a tonic to others and if you play the attached interview you may see a little of what I mean. He was a good chap but perhaps never would have been accepted as a candidate for Pope.

I know that he would be laughing now if he knew of the tributes he is getting ..... he probably is.

Sir Dai file to download. Click on the video clip link below. Forward this email to anyone else who wants to download it, or copy the link.

Sir Dai file

Regards Mike

Opportunity to visit EU Parliament (West Midlands only)

UKIP MEP for the West Midlands, Mike Nattrass, has some spare places for a visit to the EU's Parliament on the 4th of December.

Anyone living in the West Midlands euroregion wishing to visit the EU Parliament and experience the waste and corruption first hand should contact Mike as soon as possible for details.

The EU will even pay you to visit their Parliament by way of an expenses claim once you've got there. Mike and the UKIP staff at the EU's Parliament will look after you when you're there, give you tours of the building and you even get experience, first hand, the dishonest mis-counting of votes.

Mike Nattrass MEP on Radio 5 Live TONIGHT

Mike Nattrass MEP is on Radio 5 Live at 10pm tonight talking, for some reason, about black people in UK politics.

Presumably this is to do with Trevor Phillips' bizarre accusation of institutional racism in the political establishment which, he says, would prevent a black person becoming Prime Minister.

Nothing short of introducing a law requiring every other Prime Minister to be black would satisfy Trevor Phillips. The Equalities Commission and everything it stands for is one of the biggest barriers to equality in society.

I have no idea what Mike's response was to Trevor Phillips' accusation but I can guess!