Q and A with Katie Hopkins - the only independent in the
South West
1) Why do you want to be an MEP?
I think it is time we had a straight talker, with a reputation for getting things done, speaking out for common sense. I am not well versed in the art of pleasing everyone like many 'politicians' and I believe people deserve a straight and honest answer to a straight question.
2) What are your credentials?
I am an economist, a small business owner, ex forces, and a working mother of three. I was born and brought up in the South West and studied at college and University in the region. I live in Exeter with my partner and our children. I have worked at senior level for global brands across Europe and in the US.
3) What is your angle on being an MEP?
I am a straight talker from the South West, wanting to speak out for common sense.
4) What is your one key principle?
Efficiency - in everything. Small business teaches you the art of efficiency and economy I am interested to understand if these principles are applied in Europe. If not I want to understand where there is excess - excess spending, excess staffing, excess use of public funds. People that work hard to pay their taxes do not want or need the additional burden of inefficiency.
I am also a great believer in hard work. I think we should always look to incentivise and reward hard workers.
5) Are you pro or anti EU in general?
My stance is "involved not disolved". The EU can be useful to Britain - hence I think Britain should be "involved". But there are fears that the EU may engulf Britain, ignore Britain's heritage and disrepect the views of Britain's people - hence I think Britain should not be "disolved". I do not think we should ever be in a situation where the EU can direct the action of the people of the UK. If that were to be the case, we would need a referendum on the issue.
6) Where do you stand on integration?
The people of the South West are very proud of what makes us who we are and our Britishness is something that we look to defend. We can have European policies and politics without needing to lose what is important to us at a national, regional and local level. I have been asking people in my region what matters to them and for many of us in the South West things like: "common law", "imperial measures", "gibraltar","sovereignty", the British pound", even "cricket" are part of the fabric of what makes us who we are.
7) What are your thoughts on CAP and HRA and other mainstay european legislation?
They need to be viewed with caution. Some of our farmers benefit from the Common Agriculture Policy. Food security for the UK and Europe is a big issue. Equally, farmers need to be great businessmen too and look to run a business without subsidy. However, in all cases what we need to be searching for is equitable distribution of funding.
The Human Rights Act provides protection for many British people; but it may benefit from careful review and revision. Human rights are too often waved in the face of common sense and in support of those that have broken our laws. Many people I have spoken to feel that this is unsatisfactory.
8) Where do you stand on Immigration?
Our current economic situation demands that we revise our immigration policy. We do not understand the fundamentals of current immigration? How many? Where? For how long? Until we understand our current poisition and are in a position to repair our damaged economy and labour market, we are not in a position to leave our doors wide open.
9) Where are you on green issues?
I believe it is important to strive for more environmentally sustainable solutions to current practises but not in some of the blinkered and and inefficient manners we currently commission. We need to create sustainable futures for all.
