UKIP – Pandering to the Periphery

On Saturday, I attended a meeting of the four MEPs who represent the South East Region. It had been arranged so that each could inform senior constituency representatives of their responsibilities and continued efforts within the European parliament. To be honest, I expected a rather ‘dry’ meeting. I was wrong. Each presentation provided an insight into a whole array of issues from the European viewpoint: environment, budgets, energy security and immigration, to name but a few. I went away assured that the European ‘project’ could deliver positive outcomes for Britain. In particular, that the hot political issues of environment, immigration and energy security undoubtedly all required an agreed European approach.

Most Conservative supporters are Eurosceptic. The majority of Conservatives activists are against the Constitution, the single currency and the federalisation of Europe. This is not news. The British electorate knows where the Conservative Party stands on these issues. So why the concern about the potential for UKIP to ‘steal’ votes on the right, and hence prevent Conservative candidates from becoming MPs at the next election?

Elections in Britain have always been won on the centre ground. There have been times when that centre ground has been moved, most recently in the 1980s, when it was adjusted to the right. Those who believe that a further shift to the right is imminent are misguided. In my opinion, UKIP’s electoral attraction is limited. Their membership base is small and decreasing. Some of their candidates have been shown to harbour ignorant, out-dated views. This is hardly surprising in view of the “little Englander” image they have generated. An image which is clearly of the past (evidence above), not the future. To suggest that the Conservative Party should pander to these people and their supporters (actual or potential) is remarkable. Who do we think has not been voting for us over the last decade? Have we not learnt anything from the 2001 General Election campaign? UKIP, at best, is a single issue party. It is not credible for a party that seeks to be in national government to engage with, or seriously acknowledge, a party of such narrow appeal.

In my judgement the British people are sceptical about what Europe presently achieves. Their scepticism is well-founded. When one looks at the CAP, the poor economic growth and high levels of unemployment, and the apparent lack of democracy within the structure, it is hardly surprising that Europe’s image in Britain is tarnished. However, the ‘average’ Briton also recognises the potential benefits: agreement over environmental policy, cooperation in combatting terrorism and access to a common market (however imperfect). I suspect if a referendum on membership took place, the British people would back staying within the Union. What they want from their national government is constructive engagement in Europe with a view to securing the best settlement for Britain. Hence, to advocate withdrawal from the EU is not an effective approach and certainly not a credible option.

For credibility is everything when it comes to being the Opposition. The Conservative Party has to convince the electorate it is ready for government. Numerous polls are indicating that the British people are increasingly dissatisfied with the present Labour government. That, however, is not enough to secure Conservative victory. For those of you who doubt that, I suggest you ask Neil Kinnock for his opinion.