A movement of over 16,000 veterans are considering joining UKIP en mass in the event that Gerard Batten, the party’s MEP for London, becomes interim leader.

Richard Inman, Veterans Against Terrorism leader, told Kipper Central that they had met with Henry Bolton & Gerard Batten in London which is where they became convinced that Gerard’s leadership would bring their membership over to the pro-Brexit party.

He said "The full committee of VAT have come to a unanimous conclusion that the best way to achieve our mission is to support and where possible become members and activists of a political party that best reflects our mission statement, we took the decision last Saturday to support UKIP and more specifically support Gerard Batten, if he becomes interim leader of UKIP, his policies reflect the silent majority in this county."

"The forgotten people who pay their taxes love their country and are indeed the backbone of the UK. These are the muted and belittled voices of the UK these are our voices and we believe a revived and reformed UKIP under the leadership of Batten is the best way to have our voices heard. This would obviously mean our support for UKIP is totally dependent on Henry Bolton either resigning or being forced to stand down as leader at or before the soon to be held EGM of UKIP, the damage Bolton would do to your party if he remains would indeed bury it and the veterans would have to look to other parties to speak for them."

"We hope the rank and file party members will not be swayed by the diversionary tactic being employed by Bolton and his 15 or so supporters who are blaming the UKIP NEC for his indiscretion with a racist "Glamour" model and his ill judged comments about party members that supported Anne Marie Waters bid to lead the party. The irony of these events is that Bolton's bed fellow is a genuine racist whereas the party members that were described as "Nazis" are concerned about a fascist religious ideology that threatens the whole of western civilization."

"Veterans against terrorism have a deep desire to see unity among all parties that reflect our views and with a multiplicity of parties springing up on an almost daily basis we would appeal for political unity and a realization that a house divided against itself will fall. We have been speaking to many of the leaders of the various parties and know we are in agreement on many issues, that is why we need to see a coalition or alliance of these groups at election time to maximize the electoral impact we can achieve."

"This could be under a formal or informal arrangement but we must remember that every vote counts and if our groups are to achieve anything of substance we must work together and not against each other, if this is not achieved the question must be asked what or who's agenda are you fighting for? With that in mind we reach out to all parties and their leaders that reflect our views and ask that in the future all parties will come together and agree electoral pacts that would maximize vote share in our strongest areas, this is the only way to achieve any political traction with the current electoral system employed in the UK."

However, their 16,000-strong group would not be prepared to join UKIP under Mr Bolton’s leadership because they feel that he is en route to “destroy” the party.

Speaking exclusively to Kipper Central, Batten said: “I was impressed by the large scale demonstration the Veterans and FLA organised a couple of months ago. It expressed genuine patriotism and concern. Just before the UKIP leadership crisis I met with some the movement’s representatives.

Veterans Against Terrorism and the Football Lads alliance saw over 70,000 people protest against Islamic extremism last year in London

“We all agreed that in order for them to achieve anything they have to become politically active, or they will be ignored by the political establishment.

“They had two choices, form a new party or join an existing one; but I said it is easier and likely to be more effective joining with UKIP.

“UKIP has always supported our armed forces, police, prison service, and all in public service. I am very pleased that following our meeting they decided to voice their support for UKIP.

“UKIP has to transform itself into a mass movement in order to have influence. To do that we have to give a voice to the vast numbers of ordinary patriotic and traditionalist voters who are not represented by the old parties.”