Mastering Politics: The Brexit Party
Share:
Political parties are not the easiest of things to understand – and that’s just speaking for the mainstream ones.
The Brexit Party is one of the newest political parties in Britain, and it was officially founded in January 2019. It labels itself as Eurosceptic, meaning it is highly critical of the European Union (EU). The Brexit Party promises to change British politics “for good”, and often refers to the ‘Westminster elite’ as the reason for the British people’s anger towards politicians.
Currently led by Nigel Farage, The Brexit Party has a significant number of members from UKIP – the party Mr Farage used to lead. It also has support from some Conservatives, such as Anne Widdecombe.
In terms of its main policy aims, this Party wishes to leave the EU without a specific deal so that Britain can trade with the rest of the world using the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) terms. This particularly appeals to voters who are frustrated with the lack of progress surrounding the 2016 EU referendum vote and wish to leave the EU, including the customs union and single market.
The Brexit Party currently has zero MPs in the House of Commons. However, in the 2019 European Parliament Election, the Party won 29 seats, making it the largest British party in the EU Parliament and the largest single party overall.
Policies of and significant moments within The Brexit Party include:
— No-deal Brexit: as already discussed, The Brexit Party believes the UK should leave the EU without a deal, and trade on pre-agreed WTO terms to honour the referendum result.
— Restore sovereignty: The Brexit Party concerns itself with restoring ‘sovereignty’ to Britain, meaning Britain is in charge of making all of its own laws and decisions.
— Lower the influence of the state: this means that the government is less involved in the affairs of the people, resulting in fewer benefits and initiatives to support individuals struggling financially.
— Lower taxation on individuals and businesses.
— Turning their backs in the EU Parliament: when being sworn into the EU Parliament, the 29 Brexit Party members turned their backs on the rest of the chamber in protest.
— The controversial use of an air raid siren at a speech: leader Nigel Farage’s appearance was announced to the sound of a WWII air raid siren, which was criticised by many as insensitive.