‘Loonies’ taking over asylum? Alternative UK parties gain momentum
The UK’s traditional three-party system seems to be fading – and non-mainstream rivals are ready to take center stage. For many, support for alternative parties is seen as a way to protest against the nation’s current political landscape.
Last week’s bi-election in Eastleigh saw 14 unconventional
parties racing for the win. The UK Independence Party – a group
which David Cameron once described as a “bunch of fruitcakes,
loonies, and closet racists” – managed to push the
Conservatives into third place.
Some say it’s a sign that voters are disillusioned and ready for
change.
“People often talk of the protest vote like it’s a bad thing.
Let’s face it – there’s a lot to protest about right now,” the
leader of the Pirate Party, Loz Kaye, told RT.
For more on the shifting shape of British politics, watch Sara
Firth’s report.