BRITAIN went to the polls this month.

Locally, we only had European elections but, as I was invited to do the 4am graveyard shift on Radio 4, I could see the national picture unfold. I did wonder at times if anyone was listening, but we had a very nice email from New Zealand saying that they were enjoying the programme down under!

When the results were analysed it looked as if the party should be crowing. The Conservative share of votes held up but we lost superb councillors and some MEPs across the country.

UKIP did well, although many say theirs was a one-off vote to send a protest message – indeed UKIP election communications said to treat the elections as a “free hit”.

Labour did poorly outside London, making fewer council gains than even when Michael Foot was leader, while the LibDems had a rough month, showing how difficult it is to move from a party of protest to a party of Government.

So what does it all mean?

Firstly, there is a clear message that people are fed up with the stalemate on Europe and we have to redefine our relationship and then give people a say with an in/out referendum.

Secondly, we need to shut the open doors immigration policy of the disastrous Labour government years, get control of our borders, keep reforming the British welfare system so it doesn’t provide easy pickings for those who won’t contribute and, crucially, make sure that our businesses can hire the skills they need.

But, most of all, all politicians have to get their heads out of the Westminster bubble and get in touch.

The biggest winners in the May elections were the “not interested” party, with more than 60 per cent of voters not bothering to cast a ballot. Getting the maximum number of people to vote in next year’s general election should be a priority for us all.