UKIP replies to David Cameron's campaign launch for the euro elections.

"Well, that was a real rabbit out of the hat, wasn't it?" said Nigel Farage, UKIP leader. "David Cameron's big idea for the European election campaign is not to have a European election campaign. A very convenient little bunny as well, for it entirely disguises the fact that he hasn't got a policy about Europe that he can campaign on. Whatever he says about the EU half of his party will hate him for it. Much better then, from his point of view, to say nothing on the subject.

"We in UKIP are the only people who are willing to talk about Europe. That's because we have a clear policy on Europe, unlike Mr. Cameron's party.

"As to calling us nutters, well, it's not all that good a start for a prospective Prime Minister in waiting, is it? 55% of the country think we ought to leave the EU and a seasoned politician would probably hesitate before insinuating that over half of the country he hopes to lead is insane.

"Cameron also seems to be not very good at arithmetic: of the 12 elected for UKIP in 2004, three have gone, not four. Kilroy Silk left the party, as Shaun Woodward left Dave's party, Ashley Mote never sat as a UKIP MEP as we fired him the moment we found out he was to be charged with benefit fraud. The one case that is relevant is that of Tom Wise and when we found out what he'd done we insisted he paid the money back and then we fired him. Perhaps Mr. Cameron should reflect on the MEPs of his own party: the £500,000 expenses claims of Den Dover might be an issue he could usefully address.

"Not only is Cameron not very good at this adding up stuff, his history is weak as well. He attacks us for not defending Stilton cheese. Of course, we would have, except it all happened in 1996 which is three years before the first of us were elected as MEPs. Indeed, the Stilton story shows why UKIP was, is and should be elected: we can't depend upon the Tory MEPs to defend our interests now can we, as they didn't in 1996?"