HG Smith (SA December 25) describes UKIP as a new party with new, fresh ideas.

He has unfortunately fallen for the clever presentation of Nigel Farage who, with his pint and his fag, has managed to convince many people that his party represent a genuine alternative for the hard-working British taxpayer.

As a party consisting largely of ex-Tories and bankrolled by rich ex-Tory millionaires the truth is that UKIP are not new at all.

Apart from withdrawal from the EU and a reduction in immigration, I’ll bet the vast majority of UKIP supporters cannot name a single policy the party holds.

Given their background you can be certain that UKIP will protect the rich and maintain the status quo.

They are a slightly more right-wing Tory party and nothing more.

If UKIP are as concerned about British sovereignty as they make out, why are they supporting the TTIP deal which is about to sign away democratic rights to big business?

Neil Mercer Maidstone Road Swindon