My Work

MEP Paul Nuttall is to chair the national UKIP conference beginning tomorrow (Fri) in Torquay.

Mr Nuttall, who is party chairman, has travelled down South to attend the two day conference which is expected to be a lively event particularly following the decision of UKIP leader Lord Pearson to stand down.

Lord Pearson took over the role last year after the previous Leader, Nigel Farage resigned to concentrate on his bid to become an MP and also as UKIP’s leader in Brussels.

The conference entitled, ‘A Positive Vision for the Future, features a number of prominent speakers, and members of the UK Independence Party will be travelling to the Conference Centre in the town from all over the country.

Plans for the British Navy to combine with French forces should be sunk without trace, said UKIP MEP Paul Nuttall today.

“I believe the move is a worrying step towards the creation of an EU defence force,” he explained.

“The plans, which are set to be discussed in France this week, demonstrate Britain’s need to disentangle its forces from the European Union and in turn keep command of its own defence.”

Defence Secretary Liam Fox is set to meet with French ministers on Friday to discuss the plans which could see the Royal Navy share the use of its aircraft carriers with France.

The move comes as the Gurkha regiment, which has been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, faces the axe under savage cuts to defence spending being considered by the coalition Government.

“These are certainly worrying times for our overstretched armed forces. The Gurkha regiment appears to be under threat and we are also heading towards combining the British and French navies,” said Mr Nuttall, North West Euro MP.

“This coalition Government is repeating the mistakes of previous Governments by starving our Armed Forces of the money it so desperately needs.

“We need a defence review headed by the chiefs of the armed services to establish what requirements we actually need and whether money is being spent wisely.

“The combination of navies is a clear indication of the drive towards the creation of an EU Defence Force which would be another hole in the hull of British sovereignty.

“This plan could jeopardise jobs in our British dockyards. We need a proper defence budget to properly sustain Britain’s defence commitments around the world.

“Our Armed Forces are facing a two-pronged attack from our own Government and the interfering EU,” he added.

Local businesses and organisations will be seeing stars as they face being hit by massive fines for failing to display the EU flag, warned an MEP today.

Public bodies, companies and projects which have received European grants must prominently display the EU symbol on their buildings, letterheads and websites or face hefty fines from Brussels.

And the British Government has been instructed to collect around £150 million in fines from those which have not ‘prominently’ displayed the EU flag or logo.

“This is yet another demonstration of how the EU is attempting to brainwash the people of Britain and erode our national identity,” said Paul Nuttall, Euro MP for the UK Independence Party.

“Imagine if our Government tried to force businesses and public bodies to fly the Union Flag – there would be a huge outcry.

“We should be proud to be British and we should fly our own flag, when we wish to do so. Why promote the EU which is destroying our sovereignty?

“UKIP is the only party standing up for Britain and fighting the EU power grabbing monster which is hell-bent on devouring our sovereignty and national identity.

“Only UKIP is committed to withdrawing Britain from the EU. Our laws should be made in Westminster not in Brussels,” said Mr Nuttall, MEP for the North West

An urgent plea has been issued for parents not to lead their children intro danger.

Euro MP Paul Nuttall has made his call after repeatedly witnessing impatient parents using pelican crossings without waiting for the ‘green man’ to show.

“Children learn by example and with something so important as road safety it is vital that adults give the right example,” said Mr Nuttall.

“I cannot believe how often I have seen adults, and more often that not, dads, leading young children over the road when the ‘red man’ is showing.

“They may not be in danger then but on later occasions when the kids could be out without an adult they may show the same impatience with fatal results.

“A few seconds of waiting for the lights to change so teaching their offspring the safe way to cross the road is one of the best lessons parents can give,” said Mr Nuttall, North West MEP for the UK Independence Party.

A Euro MP has expressed horror that Trafford Council would use taxpayers’ money to pay for dating agency services for the disabled.

The shock news has emerged following a national newspaper investigation into a £520 million scheme introduced by the last Government.

This involves giving the elderly and disabled more control over the care they receive by passing on cash so they can choose the services they need, such as home help.

But the investigation has revealed that internet dating subscriptions, visits to prostitutes and lap dancing have been permitted under the scheme by some local authorities.

Trafford Council says personal budgets could be used for subscriptions to dating agencies, horse riding, buying a pet, adventure breaks or holidays.

“I have no problem with dating agencies but I do have a problem with the ratepayers in Trafford paying for such services for disabled residents,” said Paul Nuttall, Euro MP for the UK independence Party.

“It is not as if they do not already have basic financial benefits paid to them. Surely if they feel their sexual needs are not being met they should just pay for it out of their pocket, not have it specially allocated by the council.

“Some local authorities have actually coughed up cash for visits to prostitutes and lap dancing clubs which I find totally outrageous,” said Mr Nuttall, North West MEP.

“I have every sympathy with the disabled but this is just ridiculous,” he added.

Gypsies and Travellers were today urged to take more responsibility for their health, said MEP Paul Nuttall today.

HIs controversial remarks follow publication of a report by the Local Government Association about their health needs.

“It is a sad fact that on average they die at least ten years sooner than the general population.

“But when you look at the reasons for this in the report then I believe their community must take some responsibility for this themselves,” said Mr Nuttall, North West Euro MP for the UK Independence Party.

“If people miss medical appointments they are stigmatised but claiming that Gypsies should be forgiven because ‘they don’t have rigid attitudes to time’ is outrageous.

“The authorities claim that people are racist towards the Gypsies. But how more condescending can you be to suggest that appointments cannot be kept because of some form of cultural laziness?” said Nuttall.

“Illiteracy is also cited as a reason for their failure to attend appointments and that has always been a problem because of their nomadic way of life. Perhaps if educational needs were tackled their health problems caused by lack of knowledge might be ameliorated,” he added.

The chairman of the UK Independence Party, Paul Nuttall MEP, has been in Up Holland, pounding the pavements along with the party’s candidate in the forthcoming council by-election.

Mr Nuttall, MEP for the North West, went over to help candidate Gary McNulty in his fight for a seat on West Lancashire District Council.

He accompanied Mr McNulty as he knocked on doors in Up Holland and chatted to local residents about their concerns.

‘We have an excellent local candidate who is working very hard in the ward,” said Mr Nuttall..

“We are also running a professional campaign and I am therefore confident that we will do extremely well in the election on September 2.”

Mr McNulty said, “I’ve been getting a fantastic response on the doorsteps as residents appreciate that UKIP is concerned about the every day issues that affect them.

“Residents who met Paul Nuttall were impressed that he had taken time out of his hectic schedule as party chairman to come to the ward as it demonstrates our commitment to the area.”

British farmers could be banned from describing milk as “fresh” under plans being hatched by the European Union.

Proposals have been put forward in the European Parliament that would prevent milk being described as fresh if it has a use-by date which is seven days or more ahead. It is claimed that the proposal would stop shoppers being “misled” by dairy producers.

The proposal has been criticised by North West Euro MP Paul Nuttall who said that the term “fresh” is used on bottles or cartons to distinguish between pasteurised milk and UHT milk.

Mr. Nuttall, who represents the UK Independence Party, said, “This is yet another case of nonsensical Brussels interference, which will result in general confusion.

“I also think that if this proposal is adopted, it could set a precedent for more unnecessary Brussels meddling into other forms of food and drink.”

Financial questions marks have been raised about Sefton Council’s Transgender Volunteer Project.

Euro MP Paul Nuttall has expressed serious concerns about the scheme and has submitted a Freedom of Information request asking for details about it.

“We want to know much money Sefton Council has spent on this project and how much more is earmarked for it,” said Mr Nuttall, Sefton’s MEP for the UK Independence Party.

“It all sounds very touchy-feely and oh so politically correct but is there actually any demand or need for it? Just how many transgender people are there in Sefton and do they really need the council to get involved in their lives?

“It is described as apparently the first of its kind in the country but that does not necessarily mean it is a good use of ratepayers hard earned cash.

“Maybe it’s the first because other local authorities have thought better of squandering resources, especially at a time of budget cut backs,” said Mr Nuttall.

“So many non-jobs have been created under the banner of equality and diversity and these groups take more and more power to themselves and gobble up diminishing funds.

“I don’t think the majority of Sefton residents will think it a good use of resources and doubtless many will be shocked to even hear that such a project exists,” he added.

The chairman of the UK Independence Party, Paul Nuttall MEP, has been in Sheffield, pounding the pavements along with the party’s candidate in the Woodhouse by-election.

Mr Nuttall travelled over to the city to help candidate Jonathan Arnott, 29, who is also the party’s General Secretary, in his determined campaign.

Mr Arnott has lived in Sheffield all his life and has stood in a number of local elections as well as in the General Election and last year’s Euro election. He still does voluntary work with young people in the local area.

“I’ve been getting a fantastic response on the doorsteps as residents appreciate that UKIP is concerned about the every day issues that affect them – everything from pot holes to crime on our streets” he said.

“Paul Nuttall took time out of his hectic schedule to come to the Woodhouse ward and meet local people and listen to their concerns and with the campaign we have run, I am confident that UKIP have a real chance on August 26,” added Mr Arnott.

A campaign supporting the rights of ex-servicemen is being whole-heartedly backed by North West UK Independence Party MEP, Paul Nuttall.

Mr. Nuttall has given his support to the Equality For Veterans Association (EFVA), which, amongst other things, is campaigning to provide ex-servicemen, who served for under 22 years before April 1975, with an Armed Forces Pension.

“I think it is an absolute disgrace that men and women who served this country have been treated so shabbily by successive governments. Their commitment should be recognised and reciprocated, but unfortunately it is not,” said Mr Nuttall.”

“There must be thousands of men and women in the North West who served in the Armed Forces who feel they are not being supported in manner they deserve. I encourage them to contact EFVA and get behind the campaign ” he said.

People interested in helping should log on to www.efva.co.uk for more information.

Euro MP Paul Nuttall is writing to every North West MP urging them to support a call for the smoking ban in pubs and clubs to be reviewed.

A parliamentary Early Day Motion put forward by Brian Binley, MP, is asking for this review and North West MEP, Mr Nuttall, wants every member of parliament to support it.

“This Motion is an excellent move and long overdue. You only have to consider the thousands of public houses that have closed since the ban was introduced to see why it is needed,” said Mr Nuttall, North West MEP for the UK Independence Party.

The proposal calls for the Government ‘to conduct a thorough review, supported by consultation with all parties and affected business sectors, on the impact the smoking ban has had on public houses and private members clubs.’

“Mr Binley suggests the legislation should be amended by allowing segregated smoking areas inside such premises. That is the policy that the UKIP has advocated ever since the ban came in,” said Mr Nuttall.

“Pubs are at the heart of local communities and we believe the smoking ban has played a major part in the closure of so many of them. And they are still closing, at the rate of 39 per week. A total of 2,365 pubs shut down last year meaning the loss of 24,000 jobs.

“Mr Binley is right to urge the recognition of the importance of such institutions to the nation’s social life and community wellbeing.

“The Labour party said in their 2005 manifesto that they would not introduce a complete smoking ban. After they did, ministers promised to review it three years after it came into force on 1st July 2007. That review does not appear to be forthcoming and it essential that it does happen,” said Mr Nuttall.

“This Motion has cross-party support and I am writing to all the MPs in the North West urging them to sign up to it,” he said.

MEP Paul Nuttall today revealed his shock and horror at news the EU is looking into ‘eco-friendly’ plans allowing undertakers to dissolve the dead then flush them into the sewage system.

“I am appalled at this suggestion. I thought I would never be amazed at what the European Commission would contemplate but this is beggars belief,” said Mr Nuttall, North West Euro MP for the UK Independence Party.

The Commission is investigating plans which could see corpses dissolved in caustic solutions in a bid to cut down on the amount of land taken up by graves.

Belgian undertakers have come up with the proposals which could see people’s deceased loved ones being placed in containers containing salts and water.

Under the process, which is being proposed by the Flemish Association of Undertakers, these containers would then be pressurised and some time later the liquid and mineral ash left over could be flushed into sewage systems or be put into urns and given to loved ones.From the sewage systems what is left of the deceased could be recycled in water processing plants.

“I am very concerned that this process could be approved and implemented across the EU, including, of course, Britain.

“It is a totally macabre idea. We are talking about dissolving the dead and flushing them into the sewage system. I am appalled that the European Commission is even looking into this shameful and disrespectful suggestion.

“If anything should be dissolved and flushed down the sewers it is the European Parliament,” said Mr Nuttall.

From Rochdale Online…

The coalition government wants to give prisoners the right to vote.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wants the Liberal Democrats’ policy to be put into law as soon as possible, bringing Britain in line with human rights rulings from European judges.

The Prisoners right to vote discussion has been ongoing since 2005, when the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the ban on prisoners voting was unlawful.

The Liberal Democrats were highly critical of the Labour government’s refusal to allow the prison population the right to vote, while the Conservatives have consistently avoided addressing the issue.

Paul Nuttall, North-West MEP and member of the UK Independence Party, was outraged at the possibility of this coming to pass. He said: “I cannot believe that the coalition government wants to give prisoners the right to vote, if you were a criminal in prison would you vote for someone who would be hard on criminals or someone who is going to be soft on sentences etc, there would only be one answer.

“Surely those that have ended up in prison have effectively declared that they do not want to be a part of our society and, in my opinion, they have given up their right to have a say in how we are governed.

“The Lib Dems are always trying to bring us in line with Europe, they are always trying to bring us in line with EU laws and Nick Clegg is trying to bring this through the coalition government.

“I don’t know if it’s a condition of the coalition agreement but Nick Clegg is certainly pushing for it.

“The underlying point here is that this is just another step of bringing us into line with the rest of the European Union, at the expense of what the British people think.”

Labour MEP Brian Simpson echoed these thoughts, he said: “I don’t think prisoners should get the right to vote. Whilst in prison they have lost the freedom to vote.

“It isn’t a problem when they are out of prison but whilst they are there they have lost that freedom.”

From Ask Bury…

Strasbourg was as beautiful as ever. The sun shone, the tree-lined streets glistened and Place Gutenburg, which is in the shadow of the mesmerising Cathedrale de Notre-Dame, was awash with tourists. However, back in the grey and soulless European Parliament, which resembles the Tower of Babel, the usual dangerous and nonsensical baloney reigned supreme.

This week, the European Parliament went all populist: cut bankers bonuses they cried and punish those who caused the economic crisis. The EU, you see, views the economic crisis not as catastrophe, but as an opportunity to drain the City of London of its independence and transfer as much power as possible to the continent. Unfortunately, they succeeded this week. I was also shocked to see that a number of so-called ‘eurosceptic’ colleagues betrayed the City of London and voted in favour of this dangerous drivel.

The MEPs from the main three parties backed the EU plan, which will create a combined European banking authority, pension authority, risk board and regulator of central banks, but not in London, yes you guessed it, in Frankfurt. The EU will not only take all risk, flexibility and independence out of the banking sector, they will also regulate bonuses, which will no doubt result in our best bankers drifting off to countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland or even New York. In the meantime, they have agreed to transfer unparalleled powers from the City of London to Frankfurt. I know this might be seen as a radical claim, but I believe the Eurocrats did more lasting damage to the City of London this week than the Luftwaffe did in 1940.

It was also no surprise to see these proposals being championed by the Left, and particular our own Labour Party. They love regulation; they can’t get enough of it. It also conveniently allows them to blame the economic crisis on those greedy bankers, whilst deflecting the truth that this whole situation was exacerbated by the fact that Gordon Brown proved himself to be an economically inept during his time as Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 1997, New Labour were left a golden egg by the Conservatives, but like every single Labour administration in history, they blew it and left behind economic chaos for someone else to sort out. Sorry, I digress.

Back to this week’s plenary session in Strasbourg: I do think in years from now, we will look back and say that this was the week that the City of London was finally surrendered to the Eurocrats. My party, UKIP, voted against these wicked proposals, so my conscience is clear. I’m not sure I can say the same about the Conservatives.

An urgent plea has been made to United Utilities for the North West hose pipe ban not to apply to allotments.

Euro MP Paul Nuttall has written to the water company asking them to exempt allotment holders from the ban.

“It makes sense to ask people to avoid non-essential use and to be careful with their water supply. But this prohibition should not apply to allotment holders,” said Paul Nuttall, UKIP MEP for the North West.

“We are all being encouraged to be healthier and eat home grown produce and yet here these dedicated gardeners will not be able to use hosepipes to keep their produce alive.

“People with gardens will carry on watering using cans filled from their taps but this is really not feasible for allotment holders.

“They have water in baths and butts but this will not last long and then what? Filling cans from taps with sufficient water for a whole plot will be a nightmare task and some elderly gardeners may find it too arduous in the heat.

“Who knows how long this ban will last. Are they just supposed to stand by and watch their future meals die?

“I have been approached by allotment holders about this situation and i have written to United Utilities asking them to place them in the same category as garden centres and nurseries,” said Mr Nuttall.

Euro MP Paul Nuttall said today (Fri) that the Taxpayers Alliance revelation that £87.3 million was raised in speeding fines in one year confirmed motorists suspicions.

“They have always felt that they are just being used as a cash cow under the guise of road safety and this report shows they are right,” said Mr Nuttall, UKIP MEP for the North West.

“Road safety needs more police patrols not more speed cameras. Well done to the Taxpayers’ Alliance and the Drivers Alliance for producing this report and let us hope that not only will no more cameras be installed but the lead shown by Swindon will be followed,” said Mr Nuttall.

“These figures show that in Cumbria a whopping £1.69 million was brought in from speeding and red light offences in 2008/9, which was up from £1.54 million the previous 12 months.

“I am all in favour of dangerous motorists being fined for going through red traffic lights but the majority of this cash is from speeding and as this report shows road casualty rates have declined at a slower rate since speed cameras were introduced.”

The figures also show that in Greater Manchester £2.8 million was brought in by speed cameras in 2008/9, putting it fourth in a league table of areas in the country.

Ridiculous new EU legislation means that delays to buses caused by accidents, roadworks or heavy traffic will make passengers liable for compensation, said Paul Nuttall, UKIP Euro MP, today.

The legislation voted on yesterday in the European Parliament will mean that bus companies are liable for all associated costs of delays regardless of the cause, even if it is beyond the bus company’s control.

“Many airlines are still suffering from the compensation they found themselves liable to pay because of the volcanic ash clouds which covered Europe earlier this year,” he said.

“It is ridiculous to hold bus companies hostages to fortune in the same manner,” said Mr Nuttall, MEP for the North West.

“When governments are trying to encourage people onto public transport, loading operators down with extra costs seems a crazy thing to do.

“Of course absurd legislation is the norm for European Parliament and the faceless Commission.

“It is unavoidable that fares will have to rise to take account of the open-ended liability which legislators are imposing upon bus companies. Rural routes and urban routes on a small profit margin will simply cease to exist, said Mr Nuttall.

Under the rules, which also apply to passengers travelling by sea and inland waterway, travellers would be entitled to cash refunds for
delays or cancellations. They would also get up to £1,800 for lost or damaged baggage and unlimited compensation in the event of a
passenger’s death in a bus or coach accident.

The failure of the former Labour government to ask for EU funding following last winter’s Flooding in Cumbria was slammed in the EU parliament today. (Tue)

MEP Paul Nuttall addressing the parliament, sitting in Strasbourg, described the failure as “a dereliction of duty.”

Mr Nuttall, UKIP Euro MP for Cumbria, described the situation as ” a riddle which seems to be confusing MEPs from my own region in the North West of England.

“In November 2009, Cumbria was hit by serious Flooding. Homes were destroyed, businesses ruined and most sadly, a life was lost.

“As a result of this disaster, the British government had every right to apply to the EU Solidarity fund for assistance.

“I am led to believe that aid provided could have been as much as £100 million. However, bizarrely, the British government failed to apply.

“The people of Cumbria are honest folk, who work and pay their taxes, only to see a good portion sent to Brussels.

“Therefore I believe that they have every right to ask for some of their money back, and I consider the failure of the former Labour government to act this issue to be a dereliction of duty,” he concluded.”

Euro MP Paul Nuttall has saluted Trafford General Hospital for becoming the first hospital in England to abolish car parking charges for visitors and patients.

“This is a superb idea, and I urge other hospitals in Manchester to follow suit,” said Mr Nuttall, North West MEP for the UK Independence Party.

“Parking charges for patients and visitors are unfair, and are essentially a tax on the sick. By abolishing charges, Trafford is sending a very positive message to patients and their families. This is especially true at a time economic times are hard”.

Mr Nuttall also praised the way this will take pressure off local streets.

“Prior to this abolition, many patients and visitors jammed the streets around the hospital by parking outside people’s houses to avoid paying for the car park. Thanks to the new free parking, this pressure will be lifted,” he said.

Merseyside Euro MP Paul Nuttall has lashed out at comments made by a government minister about the Hillsborough victims.

Tory MP Jeremy Hunt had drawn comparison between Hillsborough victims and hooligans in recent comments.

Mr Nuttall, who was at Hillsborough on the day of the disaster, said that the comments were completely unacceptable.

“It is a disgrace to say that innocent victims of a tragic disaster are in the same league as drunken, violent thugs.

“The disaster at Hillsborough was due to poor policing, and to say that those who were crushed to death or died years later after life support machines were turned off were in the same league as hooligans, is frankly disgusting,” said Mr Nuttall, UK Independence Party MEP.

He called on Jeremy Hunt to apologise for his comments, and invited politicians from across Merseyside of all political parties to condemn the comments.

Fears about future water supply problems in the North West were voiced today by Euro MP Paul Nuttall.

“We are only in June and already United Utilities has asked for a drought permit and of course a dreaded hosepipe ban may well follow.

“But the company should not be in such a state of unreadiness,” said Mr Nuttall.

“I accept that the North West has a reputation for a high level of rainfall but it seems that has allowed complacency to set in. We all know about water lost through leakages and that should just not be happening.

“Has no one given thought to building more reservoirs or a better system of transporting water from one area of the country to another? Yes, I’m sure they have but turned it down on the grounds of expense.

“”Water is obviously vital for life and its supply must be a priority not shareholders profits,” said Mr Nuttall, UK Independence Party MEP for the North West.

“There has been endless talk about global warming and there is undoubtedly climate change, as happens in regular natural cycles, so drier conditions should not be catching water companies on the hop.

“This subject must be urgently addressed as hotter summers are predicted and householders should not have to worry that the taps will run dry.

“Meanwhile we must all do our part and ensure we do not waste water. Take showers not baths, conserve rain water for garden watering and do not leave taps running when cleaning your teeth, are just some of the ways that we can do our bit,” he added.

A proposed EU ban on selling eggs by the dozen was today described by UKIP as “bonkers.”

Britain has been exempt from EU regulations that ban selling goods by number. But last week MEPs voted to end this country’s deal despite objections from UK members.

Instead of packaging telling shoppers that a box contains six eggs the new rules mean that it will instead show the weight in grams of the eggs inside, explained Paul Nuttall, Euro MP for the UK Independence Party.

The rules apply to other food stuffs traditionally sold by quantity, such as bread rolls and fruit and the rules do not allow both weight and quantity to be displayed.

“This is plain bonkers,” said Mr Nuttall, MEP for the North West.

“When the French stop selling their wine by the case we’ll be happy to stop selling eggs by the dozen,” he said.

“And I am also very concerned that the extra cost of changes to packaging and labelling, as well as weighing, will be passed onto shoppers through higher grocery bills.

“The idiot bureaucrats who have dreamed this nonsense up say it will help consumers make an informed choice when buying food. That is rubbish – British shoppers want to buy items the way they always have not the way dictated by a faceless pen pusher in Brussels,” said Mr Nuttall.

“This regulation has to be further debated by the European Parliament and you can be very sure that UKIP will be voting against it,” he added.

A Euro MP warned today that an “Orwellian” world is almost upon us.

“The latest interfering pronouncements by the NHS watchdog, NICE, frighteningly demonstrates how close it is,” said Paul Nuttall.

“The coalition government may have spoken of a less nanny state approach but that is not the mindset of this particular organisation.

“Within just days it has stuck its oar into a number of areas beyond its remit including appalling plans to teach five-year-old children about sex and now suggesting pregnant women should be breath tested for smoking.

“The government needs to urgently review the existence of NICE, an acronym which ill suits it,” said Mr Nuttall, UK Independence Party MEP for the North West.

“How many more times will we read heartbreaking stories about dying people being refused a life-extending drug because NICE has decided it is not cost effective?

“Of course there have to be budgetary controls, particularly in these dire financial times, but compassion and common sense must also be applied.

“It argues that interfering in matters such as pregnant women’s behaviour and food companies being urged to make healthier food will save the NHS money in the long term.

“Yes, obesity is literally a growing problem, and it is not wise for pregnant women to smoke, but people must be allowed to make their own decisions.

“The NICE route is leading us rapidly into an authoritarian Orwellian future where individual choice is a forbidden luxury,” said Mr Nuttall.

“How long before ration books are re-introduced?’ he added.

Politics should be taught to secondary school children to help them make an informed choice when they are old enough to vote, urged a Euro MP today.

“We only have to look at the pickle the country is currently in to appreciate that a more informed electorate could well be a wiser electorate,” said Paul Nuttall, UKIP MEP for the North West.

“I believe it would dramatically increase the turnout at elections, both local and general, and would help young people to become involved in society.

“It is all very well David Cameron going on about the ‘big society’, it would actually be a good start to ensure that people understand how democracy works from an early age.

“In rural villages community spirit may still be alive and kicking but in urban sprawls people, particularly the young, often don’t have that sense of belonging and involvement.