There are some questions which voters will always ask of pro-sovereignty Parties or Independents who are standing at the European Parliament election, or at any other election. Here we address some of the usual questions and objections, and give some considered advice.

Why stand in the European Parliamentary elections if you're opposed to the EU?
The first law of politics is to be pragmatic. Politics is the art of the possible, as someone once said.

If we want to challenge a political power with which we disapprove, and influence the political process in our direction, then we need to take advantage of every opportunity which presents itself. This includes the opportunities which the system itself provides.

Taking up seats and working from within to dismantle the EU, and take Britain out, is a pragmatic tactic.

If elected, such an MEP can work within the system to expose it, to ally with other European MEPs and groups who think similarly, and to use EU money -- which is only our own money coming back -- for our own pro-sovereignty purposes.

A policy of "non-participation" simply leaves the other side free to do what it wants, and leaves us powerless and standing as mere observers on the sidelines.

Those who argue for non-participation must explain in what ways they intend to influence the political process, if not by the electoral process.

It is similar to the position of the SNP or Plaid Cymru MPs in the Westminster Parliament.

But when we fought the Germans we didn't seek to "work from within"
This analogy is not relevant to our current circumstances. When we went to war, Germany did not represent a significant part of the government of this country.

If it had, and if Britain had been ruled from Berlin, and if the British people were always voting for parties which advocated continuing rule from Berlin, then it is likely that we would have needed to adopt the pragmatic tactic of trying to dismantle the Berlin government structure from within!

Similarly, the EU is not actually attacking us militarily today. If it were, then our response would have to be different.

Voting and participating in the EU elections only strengthens the EU system
Voting and participating in the EU Elections would only strengthen the EU if it were a vote, or action, for a candidate who supported the EU. Voting for a candidate who disagrees with the EU and who wants to leave it, is a vote which weakens the EU, and strengthens the anti-EU voice.

I am making a statement against the EU by refusing to participate in its elections
That might be correct if there were no anti-EU voice for whom to vote. However, provided there is such a candidate then if you do not vote, your dissent is not recorded and is consequently meaningless.

Only a vote for the anti-EU candidate records your dissent, and strengthens the anti-EU voice.

If you go to Brussels you turn yourself into one of "them"
Going to Brussels doesn’t require that we become any different from the people we are at the moment. It simply means that we have to learn how to walk in the darkness, while keeping sight of the light.

If you disagree with the EU, then it's hypocritical to take the EU’s money, if you're elected.
Firstly, it's only our own money coming back to us.

Secondly, here's an analogy: The Salvation Army started out by collecting money from the brothels and drinking dens of London. They justified this by saying they were using the profits of sin to further the Word of God. We may not be the Salvation Army but we do intend to save the political soul of this country!

In the absence of significant British funding for the anti-EU movement, it's ironic but true that the EU money-stream is critical for the development of the British sovereignty movement. Unless you're going to donate an equivalent amount of money instead, then you can't complain.

"Why vote for you when it will be a wasted vote? You won't form the next government"

• Every vote counts. The only way to "waste a vote" is not to vote at all. If you do not vote then your opinion is not recorded and is consequently meaningless.
   
• Even one MP can make a difference. The Maastricht Treaty was passed on 2 votes. One MP would have prevented it going into law! An MP can be elected on one vote. That vote could be yours.
   
• If you believe in what we say then vote for it. Vote from conviction, not from habit.
   
• A vote for any of the usual suspects is a vote to perpetuate and legitimise the system which is destroying Britain's self-government.
   
• So long as the EU remains in charge, then it doesn't really matter which one of the usual suspects is the government. The other Parties don't challenge Brussels rule. Some people fear a Labour government will take us further into the EU. However, the Tories are taking us the same way. One Party will take us there at 90 miles an hour, and the other at 45 miles an hour. Both are taking us in the same direction. If we want to secure a future for a sovereign Britain we must make a stand now, otherwise we will go on like this forever.
   
• If your usual Party stands no chance in this area, or if the incumbent is sure to be returned, then why not take this valuable opportunity to vote for us?

"Are you Nasty Nationalists?'"
We believe in the continued existence of distinct and diverse nations, unlike the EU, which wants to destroy the concept of nations. We believe the nation of Britain has the right to run its own affairs, just as we believe any nation has the right to run its own affairs. We believe that's the natural state of things. What do you believe in?

"All you will do is take votes from my party and let the other candidates win"
We draw support right across the political spectrum. We are as liable to take votes from a Labour candidate as we are to take votes from a Tory, or Lib Dem candidate. Therefore, it is not correct to say that our intervention at the election will favour any particular party.

Advice to Candidates: Keep Your Opinion on Personalities out of Your Comments.
For example, the "Margaret Thatcher and the EU" Issue:
Many people have strong opinions, both for and against, Mrs Thatcher. The topic of her attitude towards the EU can sometimes arise in a public discussion.

While it is true that Mrs Thatcher signed up to the Single European Act and only latterly turned against the EU, it is highly risky for any anti-EU candidate to bring her into any public discussion in front of an audience, whether in a critical or praiseworthy context.

For example, to criticise Mrs Thatcher's early attitude to the EU will switch off a considerable number of traditional Conservative voters who might otherwise vote for another party, such as your own, which is now advocating leaving the EU.

Similarly, to praise her latter attitude may risk alienating Labour voters who would otherwise come on your side. Best to avoid this controversial personality in any public discussion relating to the EU.

As a general rule, it's best to keep opinions on personalities out of any public comments, concentrating instead upon your Party's principles and policies.