[TCD23]

Seriously, I am interested in finding out why people tend to class UKIP as a right wing party? I've looked through there manifesto and the majority of their policies tend be Libertarian center. This is a serious question as there seems to be very little indicating to me that they are inherently right wing. Can somebody who thinks they are tell me what basis they have for this?

And just to disprove something, wanting responsible immigration is not right wing. It's just common sense.

[chrisawhitmore]

(Original post by TCD23)
Seriously, I am interested in finding out why people tend to class UKIP as a right wing party? I've looked through there manifesto and the majority of their policies tend be Libertarian center. This is a serious question as there seems to be very little indicating to me that they are inherently right wing. Can somebody who thinks they are tell me what basis they have for this?

And just to disprove something, wanting responsible immigration is not right wing. It's just common sense.

Libertarians often end up being called right wing because the standard libertarian free market economic policy and the idea of small government which goes well with libertarianism tend to be associated with the right.

[mimx]

Left and right only really make sense in economic terms, in which case UKIP are relatively right wing (about the same level as the Conservatives).

Dunno why you'd care, not like there's something inherently bad about that.

[yothi5]

They don't like immigration?

[Sdiff]

Well the left right divide is pretty stupid and inflexible (political compass is better) but they support a 31% flat tax.

[Cannotbelieveit]

They have some right wing social policies, tougher laws on Immigration and Crime spring to mind.

But apart from that they are a Libertarian Party, which is generally considered 'right' on the political spectrum.

[ukip72]

(Original post by TCD23)
Seriously, I am interested in finding out why people tend to class UKIP as a right wing party? I've looked through there manifesto and the majority of their policies tend be Libertarian center. This is a serious question as there seems to be very little indicating to me that they are inherently right wing. Can somebody who thinks they are tell me what basis they have for this?

And just to disprove something, wanting responsible immigration is not right wing. It's just common sense.

Well if you look at the left-right line as being a purely economic one then UKIP are right wing since they are the most supportive of the free market and lower taxes etc. Otherwise UKIPs position is usually seen to be the right wing position on other things, you can debate whether they actually are or not. I agree wanting sensible levels of migration not mass immigration the 3 parties main favour is just common sense.

[mimx]

(Original post by Cannotbelieveit)
They have some right wing social policies, tougher laws on Immigration and Crime spring to mind.

These aren't right wing policies, that's a silly way to describe them. They're authoritarian policies if anything.

[ukip72]

(Original post by yothi5)
They don't like immigration?

Common misconception spread by the BBC/Guardian. UKIP aren't opposed to immigration just opposed to mass immigration and believe it should be lowered. If you believe David Cameron then that's the Tory position as well.

[TCD23]

(Original post by mimx)
These aren't right wing policies, that's a silly way to describe them. They're authoritarian policies if anything.

How are they?

[tufc]

As an MP for UKIP in the MHoC, I can confirm that we're a right-of-centre party. Libertarianism is an ideology more associated with the right in modern times anyway.

[mimx]

(Original post by TCD23)
How are they?

Because there's an authority making people act in a certain way - that's the nature of an authoritarian policy.

I'm not saying authoritarian policies are inherently bad either.

[TCD23]

(Original post by mimx)
Because there's an authority making people act in a certain way - that's the nature of an authoritarian policy.

I'm not saying authoritarian policies are inherently bad either.

But their Libertairan which is pretty much the anti-thesis of authoritarianism. So in what way do they wish to dictate people's lifes?

[mimx]

(Original post by TCD23)
But their Libertairan which is pretty much the anti-thesis of authoritarianism.

They self-identify as a libertarian party but why would that count for much. If their policies are authoritarian then their policies are authoritarian.

[TCD23]

(Original post by mimx)
They self-identify as a libertarian party but why would that count for much. If their policies are authoritarian then their policies are authoritarian.

Okay, you completely ignored my question. Which of their policies are authoritarian?

[mimx]

(Original post by TCD23)
Okay, you completely ignored my question. Which of their policies are authoritarian?

The two that were already mentioned and that I already identified as authoritarian?

[electriic_ink]

(Original post by ukip72)
I agree wanting sensible levels of migration not mass immigration the 3 parties main favour is just common sense.

Why do you think all three main parties favour a policy which is not common sense?

[TCD23]

(Original post by mimx)
The two that were already mentioned and that I already identified as authoritarian?

Do you even know what you're talking about? How are their policies on crime and immigration authoritarian?

[mimx]

(Original post by electriic_ink)
Why do you think all three main parties favour a policy which is not common sense?

Because common sense is a stupid way to deal with complex issues?

[mimx]

(Original post by TCD23)
Do you even know what you're talking about? How are their policies on crime and immigration authoritarian?

I defined authoritarian policy as that which forces individuals to act in a certain way.

Clearly both of those meet this standard.