Hill is named by UKIP as first-ever candidate

UKIP North-Antrim candidate Robert Hill and his electoral agent Sharon Boyle hands his nomination papers to Rea Kirk, Deputy Returning Officer at the Ballymena Area Electoral Office. INBT 16-102JC

Their runner for the Westminster seat will be Robert Hill.

In his nomination statement, he focused on the ‘military covenant’.

He said: “The military covenant is something other parties here briefly mention, but it is a serious pledge for UKIP, as highlighted by the defence policies outlined by Nigel Farage this week.

As a party, we have been sickened by the complete lack of concern by politicians of all shades to date. As a nation, how can we send our young men and women to foreign fields, to fight for our rights and freedoms and then abandon them when they return? It is wrong.

“We recognise the sacrifice paid by our service personnel, many of whom return with physical and/ or mental injuries. What has gone before in terms of looking after those that have looked after us has been practically non-existent. UKIP is a party committed to changing this.

“UKIP pledges that in the future when our forces are sent to war they will be equipped with the best equipment for the job.

“We pledge to issue veterans cards to ex personnel and those returning from active service which will guarantee fast-track through mental health care and services if needed.”