‘Beyond barmy’

Nigel Farage had long sought to throw off the spectre of what he himself described as the “drivel and nonsense” of UKIP’s 2010 manifesto.

Sadly for the him the 2015 version had already been consigned to the political dustbin after being dubbed as ‘beyond barmy’ by Unite.

Britain’s biggest union reacted after Farage endorsed a bizarre election plan to abolish the department of energy and climate change. Unite’s national officer for energy and utilities, Kevin Coyne, responded by saying, “At a time when the planning of the future energy needs of the UK is critical, the UKIP proposal to axe the energy department is beyond barmy and would create chaos.

Coyne, who is vastly experienced in the energy field, said a “coherent and strategic” government policy was needed on energy, encompassing “nuclear, coal, oil, wind, solar and fracking.”

He went on to praise the energy department, saying it had been “fantastic in co-ordinating nuclear policy which has led to much-needed new nuclear build in the UK.

“It has done a similar excellent job in promoting wind power which has created many good jobs and boosted economic growth.”

The inference is clear, this vital leg of government cannot be left to the DIY polices of Nigel Farage and his ilk. As if to emphasise that point Coyne added, “There is also the climate change agenda which affects everyone on the planet and this also needs a strong voice at the cabinet table.

“It is ridiculous in a sector which has been privatised that the ministry pulling all the strands together at the centre should be abolished,” he said.

“I suppose when the lights start to go out because of the Ukip’s non-policies, Farage and his motley crew will be blaming immigrants for the darkened streets and closed-down factories.”

A stark thought indeed and one which makes it crystal clear that a party seeking to abolish the energy department (plus International Development and Culture into the bargain) must be firmly rejected on May 7.