12:56pm Tuesday 20th January 2004
THE UK Independence Party (UKIP) has shown its true colours. Their lies and twisted facts about Europe, which they will hope will convince Londoners to support them in the election this June are one thing, but their latest outburst excusing terrorism is nothing short of an outrage.
MEPs' staff across London are on their guard following letter bombs delivered to a series of European figures, including the office of an MEP in Manchester The reaction of UKIP fanatics led by Nigel Farage MEP was to say it could understand the reasons behind the bombs. They say we are witnessing fulfilment of their prediction that "the failure to give people a choice as to whether they wished to participate in the EU or not would end in civil unrest and violence".
I call upon UKIP members in London to condemn violence unreservedly and disassociate themselves from these comments. The threat of harm to people is not even close to a justifiable political protest, and for an elected politician to give such comfort to terrorists is utterly disgraceful.
An honest debate about the EU is what we need, not threats, lies and bombs.
Liberal Democrats demand a referendum if the current moves for an EU constitution result in significant change, just as we were the first party to call for a referendum on joining the euro. Ballots yes, bombs no.
Baroness Sarah Ludford
Liberal Democrat MEP for London
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