NHS-hating Tory Daniel Hannan at centre of racist storm

Written by James Lyons and published in The Daily Mirror on Thu 27th Aug 2009

Controversial Tory MEP Daniel Hannan is at the centre of a racist storm.

Mr Hannan, who sparked the NHS row, hailed racist Enoch Powell as a key political influence in an interview with a right-wing US internet site.

When asked about his influences, the Euro MP said: "In the British context, Enoch Powell.

"He was... somebody who understood the importance of national democracy, who understood why you need to live in an independent country and what it meant, as well as being a free marketeer and a small government Conservative."

Mr Hannan caused a public outcry when he branded the NHS a "60-year-mistake" that he "wouldn't wish it on anyone".

Nigel Hastilow was forced to quit as a Tory Parliamentary candidate two years ago after claiming Powell, famous for his "rivers of blood" speech, was "right" on immigration.

Tory leader David Cameron last night faced calls to distance himself from Mr Hannan. A party spokesman refused to comment on the remarks.

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