I was interested, if that is the right expression, to hear UKIP leader Nigel Farage on Radio 5 Live yesterday.

He usually claims that the European Union is responsible for 70% of the UK’s legislation; this time, however, he fancied a change and decided that it was 75%.

Thankfully, a listener put him right asking the following question:

“Mr Farage claims that 75% of our laws are made at European-level, even though his own website puts the figure at 70%. His UKIP colleagues put the figure at anything from 50% to 80%. Isn’t part of UKIPs problem that they can’t keep their stories straight? Incidentally, the House of Commons research department put the actual figure at 9%”.

His response was fascinating. He dismissed the 9% figure by saying that the House of Commons research department can’t be trusted, “that paper was an entire fabrication”. So, is everyone a liar?! He doesn’t trust the European Parliament. He doesn’t trust the UK Parliament. Who exactly does he trust?

His argument to back up his 75% claim was equally as revealing. "Well in Germany, the figure is 80%, so to say 75% is probably quite accurate". Nothing like sound research eh Nigel?!