I would not silence anyone. Helmer is welcome to his views. However, Ukip needs to take responsibility for what he has said. As Ukip has selected him to represent them in this by-election, then these are now the views of Ukip. Farage cannot hide from this and try to pretend his party is a respectable alternative to the big three. Ukip is not respectable. They have as much right to be on the ballot paper as the Monster Raving Looney Party and let’s hope they achieve the same amount of support.