UKIP launches biggest ad campaign and stirs up 'racist' accusations

UKIP has launched its biggest advertising campaign ahead of next month's European parliamentary elections, with hard-hitting posters that have already been accused of being "racist".

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The campaign has been funded by Yorkshire businessman and former Tory donor Paul Sykes, who has invested £1.5m of his own money into the drive.

The creative seek to appeal to potential UKIP voters by claiming British people could lose out on jobs to "cheap" foreign labour and also states that 75% or British laws are made by the EU in Brussels.

The messages have caused controversy on social media with Labour MP Mike Gapes labelling the posters as "racist".

Sykes said: "I am supporting the biggest advertising campaign in UKIP’s history to bring home to the British people what is at stake. We have the chance to support a party that represents a complete break with the past. The other parties, whatever their merits, are content to work within the existing Brussels straitjacket.

"An overwhelming victory for UKIP will break the political mould in the UK, forcing Labour and the Lib Dems to back a full-scale referendum and intensifying the popular pressure for that to be staged as early as general election day 2015."

The UKIP posters will run in two waves over the next four weeks across the UK and will be supported by press ads and online ads on news, entertainment and listings websites.

Nigel Farage, the UKIP leader, said: "Are we going to ruffle a few feathers among the chattering classes? Yes. Are we bothered about that? Not in the slightest.

"UKIP is hugely grateful to Paul Sykes for his magnificent contribution to the great cause of restoring Britain’s ability to be a self-governing nation. The political earthquake I have spoken of is on its way."

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