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| At-a-glance: Party-by-party guide | At-a-glance: Party-by-party guide |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Here is a guide to the parties with more than one candidate in England, Scotland and Wales in the European elections. | Here is a guide to the parties with more than one candidate in England, Scotland and Wales in the European elections. |
| CONSERVATIVES | CONSERVATIVES |
| Leader: David Cameron | Leader: David Cameron |
| Number of MEPs: 27, led by Timothy Kirkhope | Number of MEPs: 27, led by Timothy Kirkhope |
| European Parliament group: The Conservatives are in the process of leaving the main centre right grouping, the European People's Party, to set up a new anti-Federalist alliance. | European Parliament group: The Conservatives are in the process of leaving the main centre right grouping, the European People's Party, to set up a new anti-Federalist alliance. |
| Policies: Backs the EU but wants a halt to further political integration and return of key law making powers to nation states. Opposes the Lisbon Treaty and says it will hold a referendum on it if elected to power before it comes into force. | Policies: Backs the EU but wants a halt to further political integration and return of key law making powers to nation states. Opposes the Lisbon Treaty and says it will hold a referendum on it if elected to power before it comes into force. |
| Prospects: David Cameron is urging voters to turn this contest into a referendum on whether there should be a general election in the UK. But although his party is expected to win the biggest share of the vote on 4 June, it could lose a large chunk of support to UKIP, which is demanding a referendum even if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified. Like the other big parties, the Tories have been tainted by MP expenses scandal but does not seem to have suffered in the opinion polls as much as Labour. | |
| Find out more: Conservative website | |
| LABOUR PARTY | LABOUR PARTY |
| Leader: Gordon Brown | Leader: Gordon Brown |
| Number of MEPs: 19, led by Glenis Willmott | Number of MEPs: 19, led by Glenis Willmott |
| European Parliament group: Party of European Socialists | European Parliament group: Party of European Socialists |
| Policies: Stresses importance of British membership of EU when it comes to big transnational issues such as climate change and security. But also pledges to ensure EU delivers for British people on jobs, crime and prosperity. Back the Lisbon Treaty. | Policies: Stresses importance of British membership of EU when it comes to big transnational issues such as climate change and security. But also pledges to ensure EU delivers for British people on jobs, crime and prosperity. Back the Lisbon Treaty. |
| Prospects: Labour knows it faces possibly its worst result in modern times on 4 June, as voters take out their anger on the government over MPs' expenses and the economy. If it slips to third place or, as some in the party fear, fourth, expect renewed leadership speculation and opposition demands for an immediate general election. | Prospects: Labour knows it faces possibly its worst result in modern times on 4 June, as voters take out their anger on the government over MPs' expenses and the economy. If it slips to third place or, as some in the party fear, fourth, expect renewed leadership speculation and opposition demands for an immediate general election. |
| Find out more: Labour website | Find out more: Labour website |
| LIBERAL DEMOCRATS | LIBERAL DEMOCRATS |
| Leader: Nick Clegg | Leader: Nick Clegg |
| Number of MEPs: 12 | Number of MEPs: 12 |
| European Parliament group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe | European Parliament group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe |
| Policies: Traditionally the most pro-European of the big three parties. Nick Clegg has urged Britain to "stand tall" and play its full part in the EU, which he says has a vital role on big issues such as climate change and security. Backs the Lisbon Treaty but wants a referendum on Britain's continued EU membership with aim of highlighting positives of membership. | Policies: Traditionally the most pro-European of the big three parties. Nick Clegg has urged Britain to "stand tall" and play its full part in the EU, which he says has a vital role on big issues such as climate change and security. Backs the Lisbon Treaty but wants a referendum on Britain's continued EU membership with aim of highlighting positives of membership. |
| Prospects: The Lib Dems slipped to fourth behind UKIP in 2004 in the overall share of the vote, but could do better this time, polls suggest. Nick Clegg's party has, arguably, been the least affected by the MPs' expenses scandal at Westminster. Beating Labour (and Ukip!) to second place would be a seen as a major coup. | Prospects: The Lib Dems slipped to fourth behind UKIP in 2004 in the overall share of the vote, but could do better this time, polls suggest. Nick Clegg's party has, arguably, been the least affected by the MPs' expenses scandal at Westminster. Beating Labour (and Ukip!) to second place would be a seen as a major coup. |
| Find out more: Lib Dem website | Find out more: Lib Dem website |
| UK INDEPENDENCE PARTY | UK INDEPENDENCE PARTY |
| Leader: Nigel Farage | Leader: Nigel Farage |
| Number of MEPs: 9 | Number of MEPs: 9 |
| European Parliament group: Independence and Democracy | European Parliament group: Independence and Democracy |
| Policies: Withdraw from the EU. Establish trading relations with former European partners. End mass immigration. | Policies: Withdraw from the EU. Establish trading relations with former European partners. End mass immigration. |
| Prospects: Achieved major breakthrough in 2004 when it beat the Lib Dems into fourth in vote share. Initially expected to do worse this time round but now seen as likely to be the biggest beneficiary of protest votes over expenses scandal, even though leader Nigel Farage, perhaps mindful of his party's own past troubles in this area, has concentrated on its core easy-to-understand anti-EU, pro-referendum message. Hoping to beat the Lib Dems and push Labour into fourth place. | Prospects: Achieved major breakthrough in 2004 when it beat the Lib Dems into fourth in vote share. Initially expected to do worse this time round but now seen as likely to be the biggest beneficiary of protest votes over expenses scandal, even though leader Nigel Farage, perhaps mindful of his party's own past troubles in this area, has concentrated on its core easy-to-understand anti-EU, pro-referendum message. Hoping to beat the Lib Dems and push Labour into fourth place. |
| UK Independence Party website | UK Independence Party website |
| GREEN PARTY | GREEN PARTY |
| Leader: Caroline Lucas | Leader: Caroline Lucas |
| Number of MEPs: 2 | Number of MEPs: 2 |
| European Parliament group: Greens/European Free Alliance | European Parliament group: Greens/European Free Alliance |
| Policies: Pushing economic rescue plan, alongside traditional emphasis on the environment. Pro-European but also want democratic reform and clean-up of EU and referendum on Lisbon Treaty. Promising "positive and clean" alternative to big parties. | Policies: Pushing economic rescue plan, alongside traditional emphasis on the environment. Pro-European but also want democratic reform and clean-up of EU and referendum on Lisbon Treaty. Promising "positive and clean" alternative to big parties. |
| Prospects: Looks set to benefit from public anger at mainstream parties, dispelling any concerns it might have had that the reduction in seats up for grabs this time would mean its existing MEPs could be ousted. Two recent polls suggest it is breathing down UKIP's neck and could be in line to gain more MEPs. First election with an official party leader - Caroline Lucas. | Prospects: Looks set to benefit from public anger at mainstream parties, dispelling any concerns it might have had that the reduction in seats up for grabs this time would mean its existing MEPs could be ousted. Two recent polls suggest it is breathing down UKIP's neck and could be in line to gain more MEPs. First election with an official party leader - Caroline Lucas. |
| Find out more: Green Party website | Find out more: Green Party website |
| SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY | SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY |
| Leader: Alex Salmond | Leader: Alex Salmond |
| Number of MEPs: Two | Number of MEPs: Two |
| European Parliament group: Greens/European Free Alliance | European Parliament group: Greens/European Free Alliance |
| Policies: Campaigns for Scotland to be independent nation with the EU. Has pledged to fight for jobs and boost economic recovery. Wants vote on Lisbon Treaty. | Policies: Campaigns for Scotland to be independent nation with the EU. Has pledged to fight for jobs and boost economic recovery. Wants vote on Lisbon Treaty. |
| Prospects: Urging voters to use European ballot to step up pressure on Gordon Brown for an early general election. But voters may also use it as an opportunity to give their verdict on the SNP's own performance in government. | Prospects: Urging voters to use European ballot to step up pressure on Gordon Brown for an early general election. But voters may also use it as an opportunity to give their verdict on the SNP's own performance in government. |
| Find out more: SNP website | Find out more: SNP website |
| PLAID CYMRU | PLAID CYMRU |
| Leader: Ieuan Wyn Jones | Leader: Ieuan Wyn Jones |
| Number of MEPs: One | Number of MEPs: One |
| European Parliament group: Greens/European Free Alliance | European Parliament group: Greens/European Free Alliance |
| Policies: Campaigns for Wales to be independent member of EU. Wants windfall tax on energy companies' profits and a Europe-wide suspension of VAT on domestic gas and electricity for the next two years. Wants Lisbon Treaty referendum. | Policies: Campaigns for Wales to be independent member of EU. Wants windfall tax on energy companies' profits and a Europe-wide suspension of VAT on domestic gas and electricity for the next two years. Wants Lisbon Treaty referendum. |
| Prospects: Hoping to benefit from public anger at the big parties. Has launched an all-out attack on Labour MEPs' record on expenses, calling on the party to publish full breakdowns. | Prospects: Hoping to benefit from public anger at the big parties. Has launched an all-out attack on Labour MEPs' record on expenses, calling on the party to publish full breakdowns. |
| Find out more: Plaid Cymru website | Find out more: Plaid Cymru website |
| BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY | BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY |
| Leader: Nick Griffin | Leader: Nick Griffin |
| Number of MEPs: None | Number of MEPs: None |
| Policies: Withdrawal from EU. End immigration. "Voluntary repatriation" of ethnic minorities. Preference in jobs and housing for indigenous Britons. | Policies: Withdrawal from EU. End immigration. "Voluntary repatriation" of ethnic minorities. Preference in jobs and housing for indigenous Britons. |
| Prospects: The BNP has been talking up its chances at this European poll. Leader Nick Griffin sees it as an opportunity to take his party into the mainstream, on the back of public anger over MPs expenses and fears over the economy. It has spent more than ever before on campaigning and claims a big upswing in public interest at its new call centre. | Prospects: The BNP has been talking up its chances at this European poll. Leader Nick Griffin sees it as an opportunity to take his party into the mainstream, on the back of public anger over MPs expenses and fears over the economy. It has spent more than ever before on campaigning and claims a big upswing in public interest at its new call centre. |
| Find out more: BNP website | Find out more: BNP website |
| LIBERTAS | LIBERTAS |
| Leader: Robin Matthews (in the UK) | Leader: Robin Matthews (in the UK) |
| Number of MEPs: None | Number of MEPs: None |
| Policies: First pan-European political party. Wants sweeping democratic reform of European institutions and an end to EU waste and corruption. Wants referendum on Lisbon Treaty. | Policies: First pan-European political party. Wants sweeping democratic reform of European institutions and an end to EU waste and corruption. Wants referendum on Lisbon Treaty. |
| Prospects: Despite a professional and apparently well-funded campaign, may find it hard to make the spectacular breakthrough chairman and founder Declan Ganley seems confident of achieving in the UK. Mr Ganley backed successful campaign against the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland - but this is the first election the new Libertas party has contested and name recognition counts for a lot. | Prospects: Despite a professional and apparently well-funded campaign, may find it hard to make the spectacular breakthrough chairman and founder Declan Ganley seems confident of achieving in the UK. Mr Ganley backed successful campaign against the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland - but this is the first election the new Libertas party has contested and name recognition counts for a lot. |
| Find out more: Libertas website | Find out more: Libertas website |
| ENGLISH DEMOCRATS | ENGLISH DEMOCRATS |
| Leader: Robin Tilbrook | Leader: Robin Tilbrook |
| Number of MEPs: None | Number of MEPs: None |
| Policies: Withdraw from the EU. Set up an English Parliament. Claims to be the only party speaking up for English people in the same way the SNP does for Scots. | Policies: Withdraw from the EU. Set up an English Parliament. Claims to be the only party speaking up for English people in the same way the SNP does for Scots. |
| Prospects: The six-year-old party has been gaining support in local council and even Parliamentary by-elections, but the polls suggest it is unlikely to gather enough votes on 4 June to return its first MEP amid a crowded field of smaller parties. | Prospects: The six-year-old party has been gaining support in local council and even Parliamentary by-elections, but the polls suggest it is unlikely to gather enough votes on 4 June to return its first MEP amid a crowded field of smaller parties. |
| Find out more: English Democrats website | Find out more: English Democrats website |
| NO2EU - YES TO DEMOCRACY | NO2EU - YES TO DEMOCRACY |
| Leader: Bob Crow | Leader: Bob Crow |
| Number of MEPs: None | Number of MEPs: None |
| Policies: Withdraw from EU. Reverse privatisation. Fight for workers rights. End Brussels "gravy train". | Policies: Withdraw from EU. Reverse privatisation. Fight for workers rights. End Brussels "gravy train". |
| Prospects: This new alliance of left wing groups is another of those seeking to make its voice heard in a busy field. Can count on backing of some trade union members but is thought unlikely to gain enough votes to return MEPs at its first attempt. | Prospects: This new alliance of left wing groups is another of those seeking to make its voice heard in a busy field. Can count on backing of some trade union members but is thought unlikely to gain enough votes to return MEPs at its first attempt. |
| Find out more: No2EU website | Find out more: No2EU website |
| JURY TEAM | JURY TEAM |
| Leader: Sir Paul Judge | Leader: Sir Paul Judge |
| Number of MEPs: None | Number of MEPs: None |
| Policies: None. It is a new umbrella group for Independent candidates chosen by text and e-mail vote. Set up by former Tory donor Sir Paul Judge. | Policies: None. It is a new umbrella group for Independent candidates chosen by text and e-mail vote. Set up by former Tory donor Sir Paul Judge. |
| Prospects: Hard to tell, as each of the candidates has their own policy platform and local support. There is certainly a public mood for more Independents in the wake of the expenses scandal and it has attracted celebrity backing from Esther Rantzen and former anti-sleaze MP Martin Bell. But that system might work better in a first past-the-post election system. | Prospects: Hard to tell, as each of the candidates has their own policy platform and local support. There is certainly a public mood for more Independents in the wake of the expenses scandal and it has attracted celebrity backing from Esther Rantzen and former anti-sleaze MP Martin Bell. But that system might work better in a first past-the-post election system. |
| Find out more: Jury Team website | Find out more: Jury Team website |
| CHRISTIAN PARTY- CHRISTIAN PEOPLES ALLIANCE | CHRISTIAN PARTY- CHRISTIAN PEOPLES ALLIANCE |
| Leader: The Christian Party: Rev George Hargreaves, Christian Peoples Alliance: Alan Craig | Leader: The Christian Party: Rev George Hargreaves, Christian Peoples Alliance: Alan Craig |
| Number of MEPs: None | Number of MEPs: None |
| Policies: The two parties have joined forces with the aim of giving electoral voice to practising Christians and combat what it sees as their marginalisation. Stands for values of "modesty, honesty and service" against what it sees as moral and spiritual decay. Also want a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty | Policies: The two parties have joined forces with the aim of giving electoral voice to practising Christians and combat what it sees as their marginalisation. Stands for values of "modesty, honesty and service" against what it sees as moral and spiritual decay. Also want a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty |
| Prospects: Has attracted some support at a handful of local elections since 2004 - especially in London - but this contest sees it field a full slate of candidates nationally for the first time. Hoping to capitalise on the expenses scandal with pledge to bring Christian values back into politics. | Prospects: Has attracted some support at a handful of local elections since 2004 - especially in London - but this contest sees it field a full slate of candidates nationally for the first time. Hoping to capitalise on the expenses scandal with pledge to bring Christian values back into politics. |
| Find out more: Christian Peoples Alliance website | Find out more: Christian Peoples Alliance website |
| SOCIALIST LABOUR PARTY | SOCIALIST LABOUR PARTY |
| Leader: Arthur Scargill | Leader: Arthur Scargill |
| Number of MEPs: None | Number of MEPs: None |
| Policies: Withdraw from EU. Referendum on Lisbon Treaty. Renationalise key industries such as coal, steel and car makers. Top rate of income tax increased to 70%. | Policies: Withdraw from EU. Referendum on Lisbon Treaty. Renationalise key industries such as coal, steel and car makers. Top rate of income tax increased to 70%. |
| Prospects: Left wing Labour splinter group launched 12 years ago by former miners' leader Arthur Scargill. Yet to achieve a significant breakthrough at the ballot box but will be hoping to capitalise on public anger with bankers and the Labour Party. Backed by Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson. | Prospects: Left wing Labour splinter group launched 12 years ago by former miners' leader Arthur Scargill. Yet to achieve a significant breakthrough at the ballot box but will be hoping to capitalise on public anger with bankers and the Labour Party. Backed by Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson. |
| Find out more: Socialist Labour Party website | Find out more: Socialist Labour Party website |
| OTHER PARTIES | OTHER PARTIES |
| In some parts of the country you may also have one or more of the following parties standing: | In some parts of the country you may also have one or more of the following parties standing: |
| Scottish Socialist Party: Standing in Scotland. Their campaign slogan is to "make greed history". The party's main policy is for a 10% wealth tax. It also says candidates elected would live on a "skileld worker's wage". Find out more: Scottish Socialist Party website | Scottish Socialist Party: Standing in Scotland. Their campaign slogan is to "make greed history". The party's main policy is for a 10% wealth tax. It also says candidates elected would live on a "skileld worker's wage". Find out more: Scottish Socialist Party website |
| UK First: Standing in East of England, South East and East Midlands. Believe in low taxes, withdrawal from EU and end to mass immigration. Find out more: United Kingdom First Party | UK First: Standing in East of England, South East and East Midlands. Believe in low taxes, withdrawal from EU and end to mass immigration. Find out more: United Kingdom First Party |
| Pensioners Party: Standing in the South West England region. Want to get a better deal for pensioners throughout England, with non means-tested index linked state pension; proper control of immigration; replacing council tax with local income tax; Keep pounds and pints and the Pound. Find out more: Pensioners Party | Pensioners Party: Standing in the South West England region. Want to get a better deal for pensioners throughout England, with non means-tested index linked state pension; proper control of immigration; replacing council tax with local income tax; Keep pounds and pints and the Pound. Find out more: Pensioners Party |
| The Socialist Party of Great Britain: Standing in London. Objective is "system of society based on common ownership and democratic control of the means for producing and distributing wealth by and in the interest of the whole community. Find out more: The Socialist Party of Great Britain | The Socialist Party of Great Britain: Standing in London. Objective is "system of society based on common ownership and democratic control of the means for producing and distributing wealth by and in the interest of the whole community. Find out more: The Socialist Party of Great Britain |
| The Peace Party: Standing in the South East of England region. Renounces war entirely and is determined to work for the removal of all causes of war. Find out more: The Peace Party | The Peace Party: Standing in the South East of England region. Renounces war entirely and is determined to work for the removal of all causes of war. Find out more: The Peace Party |
| Animals Count: Standing in East of England. Their vision is treating people, animals and the environment with respect, support improvements in animal care and protection and supporting socially progressive policies on non-animal related issues. Find out more: Animals Count | Animals Count: Standing in East of England. Their vision is treating people, animals and the environment with respect, support improvements in animal care and protection and supporting socially progressive policies on non-animal related issues. Find out more: Animals Count |
| Mebyon Kernow: Standing in the South West England region. Calling on people to 'Vote for Cornwall'. Wants a Cornish Assembly and says it is pro-European, with its particular vision being for a Europe of regions and nations. Find out more: Mebyon Kernow | Mebyon Kernow: Standing in the South West England region. Calling on people to 'Vote for Cornwall'. Wants a Cornish Assembly and says it is pro-European, with its particular vision being for a Europe of regions and nations. Find out more: Mebyon Kernow |
| Wai D: Standing in South West England region. If elected candidates will undertake at their own expense the creation of an internet site where people can express their opinions. Find out more: Wai D | Wai D: Standing in South West England region. If elected candidates will undertake at their own expense the creation of an internet site where people can express their opinions. Find out more: Wai D |
| Fair Play Fair Trade: Standing in the South West England region. | Fair Play Fair Trade: Standing in the South West England region. |
| NORTHERN IRELAND | NORTHERN IRELAND |
| Your can read more about the election in Northern Ireland here. | Your can read more about the election in Northern Ireland here. |