LEFT-WING critics branded Ukip “beyond barmy” and a party “for the privileged few” after the launch of its general election manifesto yesterday.

An early referendum on EU withdrawal, an £18 billion tax giveaway and a radical reduction in immigration were among the policies unveiled by leader Nigel Farage.

He also called for cost cutting by closing whole government departments — including the Departments of Energy and Climate Change, Culture Media and Sport and International Development — which could be merged into others.

“At a time when the planning of the future energy needs of the UK is critical, the Ukip proposal to axe the energy department is beyond barmy and would create chaos,” said Unite national officer for energy and utilities Kevin Coyne.

Labour shadow minister without portfolio Jon Trickett said Ukip had shown itself to be a party which stands for a privileged few.

“Their manifesto backs another tax break for those at the top and they will hold the Tories’ ‘feet to the fire’ in delivering their extreme spending plans, which will threaten the NHS and put living standards at risk,” he said.

“Ukip are a party of Tory policies, Tory people and Tory money.”

Among Ukip’s immigration policies is a proposal to deny migrants benefits until they have been in the country and paying taxes for five years.

Journalists were heckled when Mr Farage was asked to stand by his remark about stopping foreigners with HIV entering Britain for treatment on the NHS.

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood signed an open letter yesterday challenging Mr Farage’s shocking idea, which he raised during the televised leaders’ debate earlier this month.