Ukip policies: Where Nigel Farage's party stands on key issues for General Election 2015

An at-a-glance look at Ukip’s policies

Ukip leader Nigel Farage and deputy chairman, Suzanne Evans, pose with the party manifesto during its launch in Thurrock (Getty Images)

Ukip’s rise was the big story of the middle of this parliament and the party has overtaken the Liberal Democrats as Britain’s third party in terms of vote share.

Whether Ukip gets many seats is another matter: its support is very thinly spread, though it stands a chance in some target seats, mainly in Kent and Essex.

Economy and tax

Ukip wants to increase the personal tax allowance to £13,500, abolish inheritance tax, and introduce a 35% rate of tax to cut taxes for high earners on the 40% rate. It would abolish the culture department and the energy department.

Health

Ukip says they support the NHS being free at the point of use for UK residents but says visitors to the UK and migrants will need private health insurance.

Education

Ukip wants to promote apprenticeships to GCSE students and says it would stop tuition fees for people taking science and maths subjects – but not other subjects. It says it would allow existing schools to become grammar schools.

Housing

Ukip says there is plenty of brownfield land to build on and says it would not allow the construction of homes on green belt land.

Welfare

Ukip would limit paying child benefit to the children of migrants and says it would “streamline” the benefits system. It opposes the bedroom tax.

Immigration

Ukip supports a system of work permits which would also apply to European Union countries. The system would be points-based. Migrants would only be eligible for permanent residence for ten years and could not use social security until five years.

Europe

The party wants to leave the European Union, which it claims would save £8bn a year.

Foreign affairs/defence

Ukip wants to cut foreign aid budget by about £9bn – a reduction of around 75%. It says it would spend the money on domestic concerns. Nigel Farage has said he supports accepting Syrian refugees who are forced to leave their homes through violence.

The party says it would guarantee people leaving the army a 12 month job in the police, prison service, or border force

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