With the release of a paper this week revealing the possible scrapping, or at the very least restrictions on who will be eligible to receive a free tv licence by 2020 – the time must surely have come to look at abolishing this licence fee altogether.
Commenting, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland – Robert Hill said:
“The BBC is an organisation which publicly claims that it needs to save money while simultaneously paying so called ‘People’s Vote’ Spokesman Gary Lineker £1.75 Million a year to present its weekly sporting shows. Locally, ‘social justice warrior’s’ like Stephen Nolan are paid £400,000 per annum to present pro E.U. drivel to us. In fact, the BBC pays its top presenters over £8 million a year between them.
“This is the BBC that in September reported less than 20% of the attacks that happened in Israel and continues to ignore the genocide of white farmers across South Africa. This is also an organisation that continues to ignore most of the torture, murder and persecution of Christians around the world – specifically in predominantly Muslim controlled countries.”
“One only has to look at the biased and relentless attack on UKIP Leader, Gerard Batten last week on Politics Live to see that it is quickly becoming nothing more than a left-leaning, pro E.U. echo chamber and propaganda machine.”
Commenting further, Robert added:
“If some people want to make the conscious choice to listen to this sort of programming, then let them pay for the privilege – like they pay for other TV subscription-based channels, and let the rest of us who choose not to listen to this spend our money on non-biased news and entertainment sources elsewhere. The truth is out there.
“If you agree, then join UKIP in our call for the total abolition of the BBC licence fee now.”
Commenting on the recent calls by some on the extreme left for ‘positive discrimination’ and the return of 50/50 PSNI recruitment, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill said:
“Again we see the poisonous voices of the extreme left calling for a return to the scandalous 50/50 recruitment process in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
This biased process was wrong in the past and is equally wrong now.
“Jobs of all persuasions in all fields, should be awarded purely on the basis of ability and merit – with the most capable candidates being awarded the jobs available: Not simply because of their age, sex, colour or religion – as some have demanded this week. There is absolutely no such thing as ‘positive discrimination.’Discrimination is discrimination: Full stop.
“What will the local politicossuggest next: ‘Positive sectarianism’ or ‘positive racism.’This madness needs to stop now.”
Commenting further, Robert added:
“It’s an undeniable fact that many people from a Catholic or Irish Nationalist background aren’t currently applying to join the PSNI in big numbers. This is in large part because of the threat from so-called dissident Republican terrorists, and due to the fact that many of those raised in predominantly Republican areas are taught from an early age to not associate themselves with anything deemed British. They therefore opt not to join what they have been taughtto believe is a ‘Completely British police force’ in this part of the UK.
“Only by tackling the root causes of these long-standing issues will more people from that particular background apply to join the PSNI. Perhaps the very politicians who are clamouring for ’positive discrimination’ and 50/50 police recruitment should be concentrating on addressing these issues.”
The below text is the speech delivered by UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill to National Conference on Saturday past. UKIP in Northern Ireland were well represented at conference with our largest delegation in attendance to date. (Watch via YouTube below)
Hello Conference,
It’s great to look out and see a hall full of patriots from across the UK –all motivated by one cause above all else –standing up forandbelieving in this great nation of ours.
I’m pleased to be here as Spokesman for Northern Ireland and I’m happy to report that we’ve come a long way as a party during the last few months.
As in much of the rest of the nation,the Northern Ireland Regional Branch suffered a few set backs during the last eighteen months. However, under the fresh leadership of Gerard nationally –and thanks to the efforts of our activists locally –we’ve seen a renewed vigour and activity in the party locally,withmembership growing month on month. In the last three months alone –we’ve seen an incredible rise of around 40% in the Northern Ireland membership. We have a focused and united team,some of whom are here in the hall today – and we’re stronger than at any point before. We stand ready for the challenges ahead and are ready to contest council elections across Northern Ireland next year.
Folks,the people of Northern Ireland need and deserve a real alternative to the legacy parties that continue to fail them.There’s another common theme today across our nation.The greatest problems in politics and society are due to the establishment political class.It’s no different in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh or London:Their hunger for power and for money is much greater than their dedicationto serving the people.
Conference, for over six hundred days – the people of Northern Ireland have been deprived of a fully functioning Government. The people elected MLAs to a Stormont Assembly which has not metfor a year and a half.Stormont is now a white elephant.Major decisions cannot be made as the Assembly has folded ; yet the farce continues – because our MLAs –from all of the old parties, continue to be paid a salary.
So far,these self-serving politicians, who see no problem with the system-have pocketedmore than 9 Million pounds NOT TO makedecisions on infrastructure, health and education.
Northern Ireland has essentially been run by senior civil servants during this period, but the courts have now ruled that civil servants don’t have the authority to make key decisions. Mrs. May’s Government tell us that everything is okay, the parties “just need time.”Well, they’ve had time and talks, they’ve had talks about talks – but the people of Northern Ireland who don’t get a salary for doing nothing don’t think this farce isokay.They think it’s madness.Why should the people continue to fund these MLA’s lifestyles?
The old parties in Northern Ireland are wedded to the present Stormont chaos.After all, they’rethe architects of it. The shameful six hundred days highlights justhow out of date and antiquatedtheir institutions of non-Government are now.Legislative Devolution in its current Stormont guise has failed –this model is from a time which has passed. There needs to be a re-think about the future long-term Governance of Northern Ireland. It’s also time for the people to have a say.
In the mean-time, the current situation can’t continue. The Government needs to act. It should stop the Stormont gravy-train, end this farcical situation, and return to direct rule.We can then have a mature debate on the future Governance of Northern Ireland.
The Remoaners locally – aided by their friends in the media have used their well paid vacation to tellus that because of Brexit – we’re all doomed.Trade, farmers all of us – doomed apparently. They don’t like facts very much, but here are a few for them.
Tourism is booming in Northern Ireland, the skyline is littered with cranes as growth continues. Our attractions are seeing increasing numbers of visitors and Cruise-ships from across the globe are regular visitors to Belfast now.Game of Thrones enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the HBO franchise has added around £150 million to the local economy. There are plans too for new studios opening in the city, withother TV and movie projects coming to our shores soon.
Multi million pound investments are being made too. Over the last few years,the hotel business has grown significantly with a rapidly increasing list of brand new luxury hotels being built. If you visit Northern Ireland, you will see first hand the growth. This has created new jobs in the building trade, the hospitality sector and has created new business for locally based suppliers.
Despite these recent investments in Northern Ireland –If we were to listen to the local branch of team remain – Northern Ireland would be stuck in a bizarre ‘customs arrangement’ with the EU –this insanity would prevent us from benefitting from future trade deals put in place by the rest of the UK.Those who call for this aren’t only calling for the integrity of the UK to be put into question; they’re prioritising 23% of trade with the EU over the 77% of Northern Ireland’s trade with the rest of the UK and elsewhere.Despite what we’re told by anti-democrats –it would never have been in Northern Ireland’s interest to prioritise access to the Irish Republic over access to the rest of this nation.
Do the remainers really believe that these wealthy investorsdon’t know what they’re doing –that they haven’t looked closely at the risks involved?Of course not:They have done their research, and they know that Northern Ireland as part of a strong, Independent United Kingdom is a place where they will profit from their investment and grow their business.
In terms of the so called‘damage to cross-border business’ – This is more project fear.Smart-checking and trusted trader schemes exist elsewhere, and this is a practical option for trading and ensuring the integrity of the UK’s internal market.Using technology is one way of enhancing security with minimal fuss –and with no additional physical infrastructure.
I feel it’s important that we turn to one further issue of great significance: Our Northern Ireland Veterans.
Our armed forces and security services served valiantly during the troubles in Northern Ireland. These brave men put their lives on the line daily to defend us against the evils of terrorism –and many hundreds of them paid the ultimate price for doing so.The courage they displayed in protecting us must never be forgotten. We should not tolerate the rewriting of history by those who wish to legitimise the actions of terrorists.Nor must we allow thiscampaign to take hold where these veterans are continuallypersecuted–in orderto appease a narrow agenda.
Were it not for the bravery and courage of our armed forces and security forces;there would not be the relative peace that we currently enjoy in my part of the United Kingdom. We have a duty to protect those who have protected us –from malicious charges and questionable legal claims from the past – some of which stretch back fifty years.
Isn’t it cruel that– whilst a large number of those they defended us against walked free years ago due to flawed agreements:These men live in fear of a knock at their door? Our veterans should be entitled to know that when they give their all to serve, they can go home with gratitude and not have to continually look over their shoulders.This witch-hunt againstveterans needs to stop.
Conference, one thing is very clear. On this issue and on so many others – only UKIP is prepared to speak the truth and the language of the patriotic working people across this nation. Across the nation, we’ve lots of work to do, but as the last six months have proven, our job has only started. UKIP for the Union!
Commenting on today’s Statement from Northern Ireland Secretary – Karen Bradley, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill said:
“Frankly – this is all too little, far too late from our Secretary of State.
£9 million of taxpayers money has already been wasted on these skiver’s wages – and small, gradual, incremental cuts to their current £49,500 salaries will do nothing to move things forward.
“After the two cuts outlined, (the first not until November and the second at some point next year) our work-shy MLAs will still receive a wage of £35,888 for NOT doing their job.
“The flawed argument that they still do Constituency work doesn’t wash – as the work is done by hard working staff, paid by expenses that will not be affected by this in any way.
“In relation to the new legislation to be brought forward at some un-named future date; it would be good to have someone making key decisions as we’ve had indecision and gridlock for months. However many questions still remain.
Stormont hasn’t sat for over 600 days and Civil servants have been running Northern Ireland for over eighteen months. Even if they are ultimately given the green light to take ownership of making further vital decisions, questions will undoubtedly be asked about transparency and accountability in such a process. We have already witnessed the spectacle of one court case which caused civil servants to virtually bring a halt to decision making.”
Commenting further, Robert added:
“Where else in the world would be paying previously elected legislators to not legislate, and paying civil servants to take the key ministerial decisions? This is a farce and Mrs. Bradley’s belated statement does little to re-assure the people of Northern Ireland, who have to work before getting their wages.
“All of this highlights the deep-rooted flaws in the current out-dated Stormont system of non-Government. We need to have a serious conversation about the long-term future governance of this place.
For now, an immediate return to direct rule is the only viable solution to allow us to move forward.”
The devastation caused by the fire at the historic Bank Buildings in Belfast has for many led to reminiscing of happier times in the city- but for others, it brings back darker memories of our recent past when a simple family shopping trip could so quickly turn to disaster as another IRA bomb ripped through buildings – creating a haze of smoke and dust and the intense heat of flames; much like the scenes we witnessed on Tuesday.
Although losing such a historic and impressive building at the heart of our capital city is deeply saddening – this time thankfully there were no screams competing with the wail of sirens.
Not all victims of our troubled past were killed or physically injured – but many remain mainly forgotten due to the fact their wounds are unseen mental scars that will never fully heal.
When they hear Sinn Fein tell us how terrible things like this are, they reach for the sick bags as they remember vividly what they and their cohorts did to our country not that long ago – and are now lauded as ‘peacemakers’ by the great and good.
We cannot and will not ever allow the past to be glossed over or rewritten to suit their agenda – for the sake of all innocent victims.
By Robert Hill
UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland
After over a year and a half without a fully functioning Assembly or Government, Northern Ireland remains in a state of limbo. Despite this, MLAs continue to receive a full salary for a job they aren’t doing.
Commenting on this situation, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland – Robert Hill said:
“The almost six hundred days of inactivity at Stormont – and the outrageous £9 Million paid to date in wages to our ‘non-legislating legislators’ is totally unacceptable. Why must the hard working people of Northern Ireland continue to fund this gravy-train? No other job pays for a year and a half of indecision, inactivity and incompetence.
“Why should the people of Northern Ireland have to accept this absurdity – a situation created by the very politicians who continue to get paid for nothing? Every party in the assembly is complicit and equally guilty of collecting big wages for NOT making decisions or taking a stand. Silly stunts with banners at Stormont won’t detract from the repetitive cycle of gridlock, failure and scandal that has dominated there in the last few years. Equally, the narrow agenda of an Irish language act to appease approximately 2% of the population cannot be allowed to continue to adversely affect 100% of the population through a lack of decisions on health, education and infrastructure.”
Commenting further, Robert added:
“The legacy parties in Northern Ireland are wedded to the present Stormont shambles. After all, they are the architects and champions of it. The shameful six hundred days of uncertainty only serve to further highlight how out of date and antiquated their institutions of (non) Government are now. Legislative Devolution in its current Stormont guise is from a time which has long since passed. There needs to be a re-think about the future long-term Governance of Northern Ireland. The people also need to have a say.
“In the mean time, the current situation cannot be allowed to continue. This half-in and half-out British Government indecision cannot be allowed to continue either. We in UKIP Northern Ireland demand an immediate end to this farce, and a swift return to direct rule.
“The debate can then turn to a mature conversation on the future Governance of Northern Ireland.”
Recent Irish Republican sabre-rattling is part of a clear agenda – aided by some in the media.
Commenting, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland – Robert Hill said:
“Recent Irish Republican sabre-rattling needs to be looked at as a whole – and not simply as a series of independent, unconnected events as some in the local media would have us believe.
“In Londonderry – we’ve seen an escalation in a campaign of attacks on Unionist and Loyalist (PUL) homes in the city, and there was the recent provocative and highly offensive bonfires, with flags – and displaying the names of police and prison officers who were so callously murdered by terrorists.
In Belfast too, we’ve witnessed the provocative anti-internment parade through our capital city. There was also the unseemly and shocking spectacle of IRA songs, chanting and Republican flag-waving at a publicly funded West Belfast Festival – ‘Feile.’
“These events, all within days of one another are not unconnected. They are all part of an acceleration of a rabid Republican agenda which aims to ramp up tensions, and ultimately provoke a response from either the PUL community – or the security forces.”
Commenting further, Robert added:
“The hope of those behind these activities is that certain commentators and media outlets will again act as a useful vehicle to further their agenda – and publish articles with a certain slant, or degree of creativity. This is of course also part of the long-term project of attempting to rewrite history.
“That was never more obvious than the outrageous comments from some of the usual suspects this week: Nuala O’loan now seemingly believes that it was the security forces who were ultimately responsible for the tragedy of the Omagh bombing, and not the Republican terrorists who actually planted the bomb.
BBC favourite and regular radio Commentator – Jude Collins too appears to believe that people who make bombs, transport the bomb to a market town, give false-warnings and then detonate – killing men, women and children are not really committing murder. Seriously?
“Let’s highlight the agenda behind these connected words and actions to the world – and shine a bright light on what’s really going on. Equally, let’s not fall into their traps.”
NORTHERN IRELAND’STRADE WITH REST OF UK IS MUCH GREATER THAN TRADE WITH EU – & WORTH FOUR TIMES THE VALUE OF TRADE WITH IRISH REPUBLIC
The recent ONS trade figures once again highlight NI’s economic reliance on the internal UK market – where trade to the rest of the United Kingdom is much greater than trade to the EU-including the Irish Republic.
In fact – Northern Ireland’s sales to mainland Britain are worth one-and-a-half times the value of all Northern Ireland exports – and are worth nearly four times the value of exports to the Republic.
Commenting this, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill said:
“Alongside the usual fear-mongering headlines –which we’ve witnessed again today,a number of false statistics have been used in a further attempt to try and justify the creation of a border in the Irish Sea.Some disingenuous figures quoted have excluded billions in Northern Irish sales to the rest of the United Kingdom:Sales which aremore than four times as much as NI sales to the Republic. When you look at the total picture of all of Northern Ireland’s external sales – you find that 60.3% goes directly to the rest of the UK, while only 14.7% goes to the Republic.”
“Despite what we’re told by those who wish to wreck our EU Exit, or leave in name only –it would never have been in Northern Ireland’s interests to prioritise access to the Irish Republic over access to the rest of this nation – quite apart from the obvious ramifications that would have for our historic union. Excluding the Republic –only 8.4% of all of our exports go to the remaining EU26, compared to 16.6% which go to the rest of the world.
“If we were to listen to the local branches of team remain – Northern Ireland alone would have remained in some bizarre ‘customs arrangement’ with the EU – this would have prevented us from benefitting from future trade deals put in place by the rest of the UK.Those on either side of the border calling for this absurdity aren’t only calling for the integrity of the United Kingdom to be put into question; they’re prioritising 23% of trade with the EU (including ROI) over the 77% of trade with the rest of the UK and elsewhere in the world.”
Another line used by some remainers this week is: ‘In the event of a no-deal Brexit, industries that have cross-border supply chains could be seriously damaged’.
Responding to this, Robert added:
“There will be minimal change. The Common Travel Area – which all agree should continue and which predates UK and Irish EU membership will continue unaffected. In terms of this ‘damage to cross-border supply chains’ – This is yet more project fear.Smart-checking schemes already exist elsewhere, and this is a practical option for trading –while ensuring the integrity of the UK’s internal market. Using technology is one way of enhancing security with minimal fuss and with no new physical infrastructure.Similar solutions have been introduced elsewhere. You can find examples at the Norway / Sweden border and the Canada / United States border where solutions have been implemented through trusted-trader schemes and the sharing of data and facilities.
*’Standards and best practices such as domestic and cross-border coordinated border management as well as trusted trader and trusted traveller programs can significantly reduce compliance requirements and make borders almost friction free… Technologies such as number plate recognition, enhanced drivers licenses and the use of smartphone apps can also have a significant impact by reducing paperwork and allowing pre- or on-arrival release.’
*“This quoted information isn’t from a Eurosceptic think-tank or a leave voting politician. This is directly from a smart border report commissioned and published by the EU itself – hardly a hotbed of optimistic EU Exit thought!Much to disappointment of Mr. Varadkar, Mr. Barnier and remainers locally and nationally who want to use Northern Ireland as a trojan-horse to wreck Brexit:Crucially – their own ‘smart border’ report assertsthat these solutions are applicable whatever the outcome of Mrs. May’s negotiation.This would work either if there’s a deal –or if we walk away free to trade with the world under WTO rules!”
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Notes:
European Parliament:Smart Border 2.0: Avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland
Since being saved from near destruction in February – UKIP’s fortunes have been rising: membership is growing markedly locally and nationally, substantial donations are coming in, and we have gone from 1%-2% in the polls to around 7%-8% nationally. Once again UKIP threatens the political status quo.
Our political and ideological opponents have not failed to notice. The ‘UKIP is dead’ narrative has had to be updated. The new narrative being pushed is that under my leadership UKIP is being taken to the ‘far-right’ or the ‘hard-right’.
What these terms actually mean is not explained. As far as one can gather – this is anyone who is not in line with the accepted politically-correct, culturally-Marxist consensus. That is hardly what most people would understand by those terms.
The labelling is of course just used to shut down comment and chill debate on subjects that are not supposed to be mentioned or debated. So, what do I and UKIP actually stand for? I’ll tell you.
I have been involved in UKIP since the day it was founded – 25 years ago. My motivations are the same as everyone in UKIP. They are as follows:
I want to live in a United Kingdom that is a free, sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Outside the EU – I want to live in a UK where we work to grow and strengthen the bonds of our historic Union.
I don’t want to live in a nation where our laws are made somewhere else. Which is why, as part of UKIP, I have campaigned for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. I want to live under laws made by our own democratically elected Parliament, led by a government elected by the British people and answerable to the people through the ballot box. I want to live in a UK governed under our own statute and Common Law – not in a nation governed by Rules, Regulations and Directives from a foreign power.
I want to live in a United Kingdom that has restored its traditional liberties and freedoms. For example: The freedom from arbitrary arrest and imprisonment – liberties now set aside under such EU legal instruments as the European Arrest Warrant.
I would like to live in a nation that restores the best of our British legal and political traditions and uses them protect our own people; while moving forward to embrace global trade, friendship and co-operation with all the nations of the World, where it is in our national interest.
I want to live in a country where we have free speech and can talk about ideas, ideologies and practices – without fear of infringing so-called ‘hate-speech’ laws and a visit from the thought-police.
Apparently, if you want any of these things – it now makes you ‘hard-right’ – at least as designated by some of our political opponents and some in the mainstream media. And of course, if you dare to speak out about the Dark Age ideology rapidly gaining ground in Britain – then you will certainly be called uncomplimentary names.
The many thousands of people who have joined and worked for UKIP in the past 25 years across the United Kingdom, and the many thousands who will join in the coming months and years, all believe in the things above. The fact that we are being labelled means that we are once again making progress.
Far from being ‘done’ as certain naysayers have commented, UKIP’s job in all corners of this nation has only just begun.
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Notes:
-3200 members joined UKIP nationally last month, marginally more than joined the previous month. The surge in membership shows no signs of abating -In line with the national growth; UKIP in Northern Ireland has just had its most successful month of recruitment in approaching three years.
-A 33% Rise in local Membership in four weeks.
-Ten members have joined the local branch so far this week and further applications are being processed by HQ now.
-We will be fielding candidates across NI in the Council Elections next year.
-We have several new events on the horizon and some news coming soon.
-We held a successful and packed event with Gerard Batten in Belfast on the 25th September. This event was essentially a relaunch of UKIP in Northern Ireland and a new policy document will be made available soon. (Gerard will be returning for another visit soon. Several new members, and some former local candidates have joined back up as a result of this event.)
Navel Gazing, Border Poll debates, re-hashed slogans and mixed messages won’t strengthen the union. Coming on board with thousands of others by joining UKIP will. We are making a stand #ForTheNation in each part of it. As the DUP has another conversation with itself over the potential for a border poll – the United Kingdom is looking towards a brighter future – stronger than it has ever been.
Commenting, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland – Robert Hill said:
“The latest row within the DUP over whether or not to aid their former partners in Government and its fellow Irish Republicans in their dream of a United Ireland rumbles on. They are using the pages of the local papers to have an internal debate about ‘potential preparations for a border poll.’ The fact remains however that Irish Republicans promised their end goal would be achieved by 2016 – and It simply hasn’t happened. It looks further away than ever before.
“The most important bonds and ties we hold are the ones we share across the UK. Our Union is growing stronger- and once we’re able to embark upon a future free from the clutches of the failing European Union; we’ll be an independent, sovereign and much more capable nation on the world stage than at any point in recent memory.”
Commenting further, Robert added:
“UKIP is growing locally and rapidly throughout the UK. We’re the party for the United Kingdom and we have hard-working members and activists everywhere in the UK. The discussion that UKIP and confident UK Unionism will be having is: How will we strengthen the bonds of our historic Union of nations?
“In terms of the previous topic: the question that should be asked is: What are Irish Nationalists and Republicans doing to prepare for the fact that there won’t be a United Ireland? Does the appetite for that well-worn discussion even exist South of the border? The evidence would tend to suggest not.
Instead – What about the potential for the Irish Republic re-entering the British Commonwealth in future?
“Let the DUP and the other legacy parties continue to dupe with the re-hashed slogans, mixed messages and the hollow promises they’re famous for – or help to strengthen the union and bring about long-term future change for the nation; by joining the fastest growing movement in UK politics: UKIP.”
