I THINK the members of UKIP nationally and the public in general will be shocked at the news that the High Court has ordered Westminster Magistrates Court to impose a fine of £350,000 with costs expected to be a similar amount on the party. This came about because of a clerical error, not of UKIP’s making but that of a donor’s local authority removing him from the Electoral Role. Neither the donor or UKIP would have any reason to suspect the donor, a lifelong British business man, had been removed. Once the error was spotted he re-appeared less than 12 months later.

There can be no doubt that this disproportionate action by the Electoral Commission (EC) will be seen by smaller parties and the public as highly suspicious. UKIP have been gaining significant ground on all the major parties and pose a serious threat to the balance of power at the next general election. As a party we are the only group still saying the Lisbon Treaty must not happen. If you believe that this is ‘bully boy’ tactics please support the party at any election and show your distaste by donating to the party at UKIP.org.

ROBERT FEAL-MARTINEZ Carpenters Arms South Marston