A surge in Ukip membership is shifting the party decisively towards the far right, as long-standing moderates are replaced by entrants attracted by an anti-Islam agenda based on street protest, a Guardian investigation can reveal.
Membership has risen by about 50% over the 12 months from a low point a year ago, rapidly reshaping the party in the image of its leader, Gerard Batten, who describes Islam as “a death cult” and has appointed the anti-Muslim activist Tommy Robinson as an adviser.
Read more: The Guardian
Gerard Batten's response on Twitter:
I am deeply reassured, this is the 2nd time today I have been attacked by the Guardian. When your enemies attack you, you are doing something right. Now anyone who stands up for their country & culture is abused. This just serves to encourage me! https://t.co/52FBMG2Fmz— Gerard Batten MEP (@GerardBattenMEP) 4 March 2019
