UKIP’s emergence on to the political battlefield is a warning to all parties, not least the Conservatives.

And to hear senior party members dismiss this as nothing more than half-term blues is missing the point; or worse, arrogant. Personally, I think we have witnessed a sea-change in politics, prompted by the no-nonsense approach of Mr Farage, who doesn’t mince his words. The point is that, agree or not, his message is clear.

It’s simple and, most importantly, responds to voters’ concerns.

Critics accuse Ukip of making policy on the hoof and playing to the gallery by raising expectations which cannot be attained. I disagree.

The aspiration to take our country back is entirely honourable, and possible, with the right political will.

And when that will is presented to people, it clearly resonates with them, as Ukip’s gains last week in the county council elections prove. Right on cue, the former Chancellor, Lord Lawson, calls for the UK to leave the EU.

And, as expected, Nick Clegg claims millions of jobs would be lost if we did. What poppycock!

Regulations already state EU members would have to trade with us and, frankly, they’d want to, as the Germans have made clear.

The fact is that outside this fog of bureaucracy – and I’m being kind – the UK would thrive, free from a socialist-style mentality which curbs sovereignty and freedom.

Meanwhile, I, and many of my colleagues, have argued that we need a mandate referendum this side of the general election to reassure the people of this country that we mean what we say.

More importantly, such a referendum would expose our political opponents, forcing them to vote for or against something as fundamental as our country’s freedom.