UKIP leadership: Bill Etheridge says 'bring back the death penalty'

The Ukip leadership candidate said 'the very worst crimes deserve the ultimate penalty' as he called for a referendum on capital punishment, which was abolished in the UK in 1965.

The pledge is part of Mr Etheridge's manifesto as he bids to replace outgoing Ukip leader Nigel Farage as party leader. But critics have questioned why he backs a policy favoured in dictatorships such as North Korea.

The West Midlands MEP, who is also a Dudley councillor, said: "Time and time again, in recent years, terrible crimes have been committed and the public left with no real sense of justice.

"I believe the time is now right to allow a full and open debate on the issue of the death penalty culminating in a referendum of the British public to settle this issue.

"For my part I believe that the very worst crimes deserve the ultimate penalty and I propose that those who murder and rape children, those that commit sadistic acts of murder and torture and those that commit acts of murder through terrorism against our country or our people should be subject to the death penalty at the discretion of the presiding judge. We must rid British society of these people.

"I would vigorously promote this line of thinking in a debate and trust the British people to make the decision on this ultimate matter of conscience."

Bemused West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: "I am surprised that Bill wants Britain to be more like Iran, North Korea and Uganda."

Mr Etheridge, who stood as Ukip's West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner candidate in 2012, has also advocated a 'three strikes and you're out' policy for repeat offenders.

He added: "Let's think of safety, lets think of freedom from the fear of crime.

"We need a serious focus on law and order. We are seeing police station closures up and down the country.

"Violent offenders should be sentenced to life on their third serious offence – three strikes you're out."

Mr Etheridge is one of four candidates vying for the position of Ukip leader, which is set to be voted on by party members in September.

So far his key policy areas have included reintroducing smoking areas in pubs, reclaiming Britain's fisheries and a return to coal mining.

This week the Government condemned Turkey after it threatened to bring back the death penalty for plotters behind the failed coup against its president.