Dan Hannan MEP proposes a merger between UKIP and The Conservatives and it is easy to see why there might be such a suggestion. It would be of great benefit to the tories but would however, offer precious little to UKIP.
The primary reason to shun this is that it would effectively destroy UKIP as a political force. I for one am quite happy to see conservatives lose general elections as there is essentially precious little difference between the tories and either Labour or Lib Dems.
I would not want to see this near impossible mix, if for no other reason than the fact that the tories are utterly untrustworthy and I do not want our party hitched to that particular cart.So much public trust in UKIP gained over a fair few years would be lost.
Many UKIPites - myself included - would refuse to support the new conglomeration.
The hatred of conservatives in this country in some quarters is visceral.
Am I convinced by Dan's arguments that this joining together might be the best way to accomplish an exit from the EU? - Not at all. His claims that there is oodles of euroscepticism in his party hold little water. If this was anything other than hot air - large numbers of Tory MPs would have signed up to BOO - the Better Off Out Campaign and as I recall, those numbers struggle to reach double figures.
'Secret eurorealism' amongst the tories? - Sorry - heard it all before ad nauseam.
Make this merger and I shall no longer stand for UKIP, nor shall I remain a member and I would seriously consider not even voting for them.
Sorry, Dan. I respect you immensely but this is a non-starter! I am far from untypical.
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