Leaving UKIP for the Liberal Democrats

I finally decided to leave UKIP in June this year.

Let me first say, this has not been an easy decision. It has taken me a year of talking to fellow party members, scrutinising Lib Dem party policy and wrestling with my own personal & political convictions. In the end the right choice was for me to join the Liberal Democrats.

When I look back at my time within UKIP I struggled with many of the party's policies. I would frequently tell myself that soon the party would reform it's politics and views. I was always conscious about the party's image and how the wider electorate saw us. I would be constantly at odds with members over certain policy areas such as immigration, foreign aid, climate change denial, poverty and education.

For me UKIP was and is all about 'good' sound bites which carries little substance. During the European and general election campaigns we saw many disturbing jibes at immigrants and people with HIV which was fuelled by right wing populism. Some members were brought to the media's attention over racist and anti semitic remarks over social networking sites. For me the party does not fit my view of an inclusive society.

Looking at the issues we face today we have a Tory Government that is against personal freedoms and human rights. We have a a Labour Party that is running around like headless chickens. In my view it's down to the Liberal Democrats to set forth an agenda that stands up for the oppressed and those who just want to get on in life.

Looking back on their time in Government they (Norman Lamb) led the way in championing for mental heath which is something I feel passionate about.

Being in the Liberal Democrats gives me the opportunity to fight for the things I truly care about.

My position regarding the EU and Brexit

I have always been a Eurosceptic, I will continue being one however at the same time I am a pragmatist. While we are in the EU it's important that we work hard in securing the best deals for our country, joining partnerships in helping to create sensible and reformed policy.

This is something that is foreign within UKIP. UKIP's voting record within the European Parliament is rather worrying for a party that claims to be putting Britain and her interests first.

I have always believed that we need 'radical' EU reform, one that is transparent, ethical and gives a hell of a lot more power back to member countries. Until I am convinced otherwise, I am currently considering voting OUT

Even though the Liberal Democrats are mainly pro-EU, the party is very much a broad church.

* Jakob Whiten is a Classic Liberal who is passionate about social justice, and was a member of UKIP before joining the Liberal Democrats.

Comments

This article has attracted 40 comments since being published on Tuesday 28 July.

Comments by members of East Midlands are:

Leon Duveen - PPC Bassetlaw

Welcome Jakob, & I hope you do challenge our views on the EU. Not because I think we should leave the EU but unless these views are challenged, the validity of our arguments will not be tested . Most Lib Dems love a good argument and I look forward to hearing you at conference.

J George SMID - PPC for South Holland and the Deepings

Welcome Jacob! Some people follow, some people think, and some people think and act. As the famous quote by Paul Samuelson (1970 Nobel Prize in economics) goes: "When my information changes, I alter my conclusions. What do you do, sir?" It takes courage to 'cross the floor' so to speak.

Could you tell me why you classify yourself as 'Eurosceptic'?

Jakob Whiten

Thank you for you kind and supportive comments.

Funnily enough, the party are currently sending out a generic survey regarding the possible EU referendum. It would be nice to see the party have an independent group that puts the case for UK independence in a progressive light.

I do find that the majority of people link euro scepticism with being anti immigration due to how UKIP and others have put forward the case of getting out the EU.

For me I don't like the way the EU creates it's laws and how it's not rather ethical in how it runs it economy.

Though I am not against the EU per say, I would happily work with the EU for the common good. However I think it needs to be more transparent, open and accountable.

I must say you all have given me food for thought!

Sorry if what I have said does not make any sense - been up for 27 hour