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Nigel Farage: Ukip 'wants our country back'

Nigel Farage has unveiled Ukip's manifesto for the upcoming General Election, pledging to introduce a referendum to "free" Britain from the European Union, adding: "Then, only then, can we truly control our borders."

The party leader also promised an £18 billion "tax giveaway", including plans to raise the income tax threshold for lower and middle earners and abolish inheritance tax.

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Unite slams Ukip's 'beyond barmy' plans to cut energy department

Unite the union has branded a pledge by Ukip to scrap the government's Department of Energy and Climate Change as "beyond barmy".

Unite has branded the plans 'beyond barmy' Credit: PA

The Ukip manifesto, unveiled today, includes a vow to abolish government departments whose "essential powers and functions can be merged into other departments", and also includes the Department for International Development and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

At a time when the planning of the future energy needs of the UK is critical, the Ukip proposal to axe the energy department is beyond barmy and would create chaos.

We need a central department at the heart of government to co-ordinate and balance all the elements of a coherent and strategic energy policy – nuclear, coal, oil, wind, solar and fracking.

These are complex issues, balancing competing interests from the energy companies, industry and the consumer. They can’t be left to the DIY policies of Nigel Farage.

There is also the climate change agenda which affects everyone on the planet and this also needs a strong voice at the cabinet table.

– Kevin Coyne, Unite's officer for energy and utilities
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Nigel Farage: Ukip 'wants our country back'

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