Young Reporter: Local Youth Perspective: UKIP takes Rochester

As the nation already knows, Mr. Reckless, an MP, has defected to the rising party, UKIP. Mr. Reckless also won the majority of votes in his special election for Rochester. Therefore UKIP obtained a second seat in parliament. Thus rising a lot of controversy, as many oppose UKIP, their ideology, and their slow rise to power. Rochester is a neighbouring town with a rich, interesting history, with a huge amount of religious significance with the famous Rochester Cathedral.

I believe, personally, that the youth perspective is often overlooked and seen as just the word of a naïve child. This is totally unfair, as the youth is the future, and the word of the youth is valuable. This is why I interviewed two contrasting people on this controversial subject. Both wished to remain anonymous:

Question: How do you feel about the growth of UKIP, so close to your home?

Answer (person 1):

I am becoming increasingly worried, and as my father put it, "if UKIP wins, we are moving to Central or Northern Europe"

Answer (person 2):

I feel relieved that UKIP has grown to this extent, as it shows the BRITISH public is coming closer to realisation.

Question: What makes you feel like this?

Answer (person 1):

I suppose I really dislike UKIP. I despise their ideology, and I despise their leader. A person who, to me, is simply a fool.

Answer (person 2):

I am an advocate of the UKIP policies, and I think that if you are British, you should think like this

Question: How would you feel if Gravesend became UKIP

Answer (person 1):

If Gravesend became UKIP, I would become weary of the UK as a whole, if so many are starting to support UKIP, the UK will leave the EU.

Answer (person 2):

That’d be excellent, it’d be one step closer to a true England, without a constant flow of immigrants who are unnecessary.

Question: How do you feel about Mr. Reckless changing parties? And how do you feel about UKIP having another seat in parliament? Was it, a ‘reckless’ decision?

Answer (person 1):

Nice pun, my friend. I think that it’s not a reckless decision, but I am certainly against it. It provides another foundation for the expansion of UKIP, which is NOT what I want. I like the EU, as it provides us with methods of expanding our economy, and it allows us to always have a safety net.

Answer (person 2):

Reckless? Certainly not, it was an excellent decision made. Another seat is another win. However I do believe Mr. Reckless to be a somewhat incompetent man, and lack of confidence worries me.

So, there you have it, such a contrast in opinions. Both of these opinions should be heard, so listen to the youth, our words may yet be of value…

Idraq Siddiqui, Gravesend Grammar School