The fourth manifesto I've decided to review is that of the UK Independence Party.
The manifesto is a relatively brief and uncontroversial document. Unlike the three manifestos I've reviewed so far there's nothing remotely discriminatory or offensive in the UKIP policies and the document actually seems more concerned with all people rather than just specific identity politics. This is reflected in the section on pensions, which merely promises £130 to everyone over the age of 65. It's not stated explicitly, but this suggests they'll be equalising the retirement age, which certainly puts them ahead of the other parties and in particular the Conservatives who want to widen the gap. This really would be a really positive step if true.
Other positives to the manifesto is their promise to cull political correctness and to focus on manufacturing jobs rather than unnecessary "non-jobs", clearly something that would help the huge number of unemployed men who are the real victims of the recession. There's also a strong recognition that the education system is failing, with the party noting the reduction in standards and quality of teachers.
The most noticeable negative aspect of the manifesto is the how the party completely fails to mention the issue of family breakdown, never mind offering any solutions. Even New Labour have been forced to admit there might be something wrong with their Family Courts, yet the UKIP seem so obsessed with Europe that the issues has passed them by. Similarly, issues such as male life expectancy, healthcare, domestic violence and false allegations are completely ignored.
Clearly the manifesto is rather right-wing, with the obvious downside of this being the party's approach to crime. There's no mention of civil liberties or innocent prisoners, and given that the party is ignorant of family breakdown issues then the vast numbers of new prisons they want to build will almost certainly be filled with disadvantage young men from single parent or no-parent families and perhaps more Fathers 4 Justice protesters.
Really there isn't much on offer in the manifesto either way in terms of equality. Incredibly, that alone actually makes UKIP preferable to the offerings of the Labour party or the Greens and perhaps even the Conservatives. Ultimately it's rather uninspiring stuff - more the sort of document that makes you just want to stay at home and watch TV instead of actually bothering to visit the polling station.
John Kimble
The manifesto is a relatively brief and uncontroversial document. Unlike the three manifestos I've reviewed so far there's nothing remotely discriminatory or offensive in the UKIP policies and the document actually seems more concerned with all people rather than just specific identity politics. This is reflected in the section on pensions, which merely promises £130 to everyone over the age of 65. It's not stated explicitly, but this suggests they'll be equalising the retirement age, which certainly puts them ahead of the other parties and in particular the Conservatives who want to widen the gap. This really would be a really positive step if true.
Other positives to the manifesto is their promise to cull political correctness and to focus on manufacturing jobs rather than unnecessary "non-jobs", clearly something that would help the huge number of unemployed men who are the real victims of the recession. There's also a strong recognition that the education system is failing, with the party noting the reduction in standards and quality of teachers.
The most noticeable negative aspect of the manifesto is the how the party completely fails to mention the issue of family breakdown, never mind offering any solutions. Even New Labour have been forced to admit there might be something wrong with their Family Courts, yet the UKIP seem so obsessed with Europe that the issues has passed them by. Similarly, issues such as male life expectancy, healthcare, domestic violence and false allegations are completely ignored.
Clearly the manifesto is rather right-wing, with the obvious downside of this being the party's approach to crime. There's no mention of civil liberties or innocent prisoners, and given that the party is ignorant of family breakdown issues then the vast numbers of new prisons they want to build will almost certainly be filled with disadvantage young men from single parent or no-parent families and perhaps more Fathers 4 Justice protesters.
Really there isn't much on offer in the manifesto either way in terms of equality. Incredibly, that alone actually makes UKIP preferable to the offerings of the Labour party or the Greens and perhaps even the Conservatives. Ultimately it's rather uninspiring stuff - more the sort of document that makes you just want to stay at home and watch TV instead of actually bothering to visit the polling station.
John Kimble
Excellent job on the manifestos. I hope you'll be similarly reviewing the Lib Dems manifesto. No mention of paternity/maternity pay in the UKIP manifesto?
Posted by: tom of covent garden | Tuesday, 27 April 2010 at 01:16
Of course I will Tom.
The BNP are up next though.
Posted by: John Kimble | Tuesday, 27 April 2010 at 01:40
regarding paternity pay - as I said in the review there wasn't much mention of anything equality related in the UKIP manifesto, though of course that means no negatives either.
Posted by: John Kimble | Tuesday, 27 April 2010 at 01:43
130 squids a week pension? What is the current pension rate?
As if the exchange rate wasn't ratshit enough (it has already wiped 25% off mine) I seem to be getting about 170 at the moment.
Does the UKIP mob intend to CUT the pension?
Posted by: amfortas | Tuesday, 27 April 2010 at 10:53
The state pension is £95 right now
Posted by: John Kimble | Tuesday, 27 April 2010 at 14:50
95. !!
That's about three pints of Phipps IPA isn't it?
Posted by: amfortas | Wednesday, 28 April 2010 at 13:01