Free Republic

The UK Independence Party will receive a multi-million pound boost before next year’s European elections after winning support from one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen. Paul Sykes, a self-made tycoon and veteran of the campaign to keep the pound 15 years ago, has promised to do “whatever it takes” to help Ukip top the polls in May. His move deals a big blow to the Conservatives as they fight to contain Nigel Farage’s party. Mr Sykes supported the Tories under Margaret Thatcher and Michael Howard, but has backed Ukip in the past, giving the party £1.5 million in 2004. His latest investment...

Millions of people would be forced to disclose the value of their homes, investments and assets under Liberal Democrat plans for an emergency tax on wealth. The Deputy Prime Minister believes that the proposed tax, which would see an annual levy of about half a per cent on the value of a person’s total wealth, could raise billions of pounds to prevent deeper public spending cuts. Experts warned that it would prove “impossible to administer” and other countries were abandoning similar taxes because of the complexities involved. George Osborne said it might also “drive away wealth creators”. The Chancellor said:...

Fri 17 Sep 2004 printer friendly 11:26pm (UK) 'Devastating' Secret Papers Reveal Pre-War Iraq Warnings By Jon Smith, Political Editor, PA News The Government came under renewed fire tonight after claims that Prime Minister Tony Blair was warned before the war in Iraq of the scale of the task that would face British and other coalition troops after Saddam Hussein was toppled. Papers marked “Secret and Personal” detailing warnings from the Foreign Office to the premier were leaked to The Daily Telegraph. No 10 had no immediate comment on the claims that Foreign Secretary Jack Straw had written to Mr...