Peter Hain says Ukip could beat main parties in European elections

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/sep/23/peter-hain-ukip-beat-main-parties-european-elections

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The veteran MP Peter Hain told Labour activists on Monday that the UK Independence Party could beat all three main parties in next year's European elections.

In an intervention, believed to be the first time that a major Labour figure has admitted that Nigel Farage's party could win next May's vote, he called for Labour to begin mobilising for the elections.

Addressing a fringe meeting organised by Unite Against Fascism, Hain said: "We have got to take on the bigotry and the threat that Ukip represents."

Hain claimed BNP supporters had found a "home in Ukip", adding: "We have to recognise that this is a very dangerous form of populist politics. In an era when politicians are more despised than we have every been, there is a very anti-politics mood.

"I think [UKIP] could well win the European elections next year if there is not a big mobilisation against them," he said.

Farage, who angrily dismissed claims that his party's rise allows far right organisations to prosper, has long argued that Ukip could win next May's European elections.

Labour was beaten into second place in the 2009 European elections, but this time Hain believes that Farage's party may beat the Tories too.

Until now, Labour has usually tried to portray Ukip as a threat to the Tories.

But with Ukip bringing in anti-immigration policies on social housing, Labour insiders say the party must now take them on or risk losing ground in white working-class communities.

At a meeting to discuss the rise of rightwing politics in Europe, the former cabinet minister and anti-apartheid campaigner claimed that Farage's party creates an atmosphere in which fascism can flourish, and called for a campaign to combat their rise.

At the same meeting, Diane Abbott said the current rise in European racism and fascism is an inevitable consequence of a worldwide recession. The rise of Ukip must be seen in that context, she added.

Richard Howitt, East of England Labour MEP, said that Ukip's MEPs compete with their Tory counterparts to deny climate change.

"Make no mistake − Ukip is a second Conservative party. It's fascinating to watch how Ukip and Tory MEPs compete to deny climate change. The only green thing about the Tories is their envy at Ukip's rise," he said.

Farage hit back at Hain's remarks, telling the Guardian: "It is the contempt held by the old parties for the hopes and fears of the ordinary people of this country that drives people into political extremism.

"Offering a democratic alternative to their tired agenda keeps people out of extremism. Look at the rise of Golden Dawn in Greece, a phenomenon I predicted, after the EU overthrew the government of that country.

"It is the Labour Party that think their own supporters are bigots after all."

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