Freedom Party History

In late 2000, when the FP was founded, we were not aware that UKIP was using such similar colours. UKIP did not then have the prominence which it came to enjoy after the 2004 Euros, and I was not following its activities at all. We became aware of the problem last year, but by then purple was well established as our colour locally, so we were reluctant to change.

The FP colours were derived from the National Party of 1976/1977, which was founded by a group of ex-Tories who did not care for the extremism of the National Front, and sought to create a more moderate populist alternative. They enjoyed short term success, especially in Blackburn (Lancs.) where they won two council seats, but were ultimately overshadowed by the NF, and faded away. The idea of a more moderate and acceptable right wing party than the NF, and its de facto heir the BNP did not, nor was the example forgotten.

The libertarian element in UKIP would be distressed to see NP literature of that period. While its content was, shall we say, more vigorous on immigration than UKIP’s stance, its get up and general appearance were remarkably similar! Perhaps you should change your colours to avoid embarrassment?


This and other items from S. Staffs