In an exclusive for the Times Lord Pearson, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), said that UKIP had approached the Conservative Party with an offer. This was that, if the Tories pledged to hold a referendum and give its politicians a free vote on whether to accept the Lisbon Treaty or not, UKIP would disband and its members stand down. After their successes at the European Elections Lord Pearson said he approached the Conservative leader in the Lords, Lord Strathclyde, on behalf of Nigel Farage with the offer. Both Mr Farage and Lord Strathclyde have confirmed this. …read more