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Monday, May 15, 2017

UKIP accuses Theresa May of stealing the party's policies

UKIP has accused Theresa May of stealing its policies, and vowed to remain a political force even if it fails to win any seats in the General Election.

The party's economic spokesman, Patrick O'Flynn, said there was "still a stench in the political air" over favouring the rich and powerful despite the Prime Minister's recent attempts to woo Labour and UKIP voters.

Issuing a series of challenges to the Conservatives over their plans for the economy, Mr O'Flynn said more should be done to tackle big business rather than "dumping on the up-and-comers".

Speaking at a policy launch in Westminster, he said: "We could I think be forgiven for finding it galling that the ever-pragmatic Tory party has lately donned so many of our clothes - and isn't it interesting, by the way, that Mrs May is being ferried around the country in the very battlebus that was used for the Conservative Remain campaign this time last year?

"Rather like her, it's had a message respray in the interim."

Mr O'Flynn called on the Tories to rule out a hike in national insurance contributions (NIC), cut the foreign aid bill and clamp down on tax avoidance.

He said: "If NIC rises for the self-employed are not specifically ruled out in the Conservative manifesto then we will know that a Tory tax bombshell is on the way, aimed not at the rich but at plumbers and plasterers, electricians and taxi drivers, hairdressers and personal trainers.

"All the signs are Mr Hammond is planning a targeted attack on white van men and entrepreneurial women."

Mr O'Flynn urged the Conservatives to "steal another policy" by adopting UKIP's plans to clamp down on unskilled migration.

The vote to leave the European Union and subsequent infighting within UKIP after Nigel Farage stood aside as leader has led many to question whether the party is still relevant.

But Mr O'Flynn hit back at such suggestions, saying the party was "the most successful pressure group of the entire 21st century".

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