A plasma TV bought on expenses does not make our policy on Europe wrong

By Julian Ware-Lane

I do not know whether Lord Tebbit’s intervention will make any difference, but undoubtedly UKIP’s members are delighted. His call of “don’t vote for the major parties” is interpreted as a coded endorsement of the Euro-sceptic party, but it is also a plague on all our houses.Tories switching to UKIP should not worry me, but it does highlight that the Tories are unconvincing with their ‘settled line’ on Europe; so unconvincing that a heavyweight from their ‘glory’ years is having a wobble. His feigned shock over the expenses debacle is providing good cover for someone whose attitude towards our continental partners is chilly at its warmest.

Rejecting the major parties is not a line I will be supporting. Aside from the fact that I am a Labour Party candidate, I do actually believe in responsible politics and the need for credible opponents. I do not believe that any of the fringe parties offer a credible alternative to the major three parties or the prospect of government.

Fringe parties can be useful pressure groups; the strong showing for the Greens some elections back made the big three up their game as regards to environmental policy. Beyond this they are an outlet for egotists and those who cannot find accommodation within the confines of a larger party organisation. Their tendency to split makes one wonder how they could cope with the stresses that come with power and responsibility.

My preference for electoral reform would give the smaller parties greater representation. With this would come greater scrutiny, and some will not want that spotlight. But it would not create, in my opinion, a fracturing of the political scene with governments formed from rainbow alliances. This is neither in the best interests of this country nor is it the wish of the electorate.

I doubt that Lord Tebbit will want mass exodus from the Conservatives to UKIP, although at least a temporary move in that direction was clearly what he was suggesting. It does put David Cameron in an awkward position, but I do not think he will be telling Stormin’ Norman to get on his bike.

Should the major parties accept a kicking in the polls in June? I hope not. Politics, as I have said on many occasions, should be about policy, not personality. Whatever the perceived shortcomings a per pro expenses, policies have not altered. If our policies are right for this country they deserve to be voted for regardless.

To re-use a rallying call from 2005: if you value it, vote for it.