Dear William,
I Hope you will excuse the informal style of address but I feel we have been through a lot together since my son Michael was first extradited to Hungary. I am presently sat here with my other son Paul who you have of course met. We are searching for words that could express our gratitude to you for your fearless and relentless campaign to secure the release of Michael from that former KGB prison in Budapest.
Clearly words will never be enough to express or explain our gratitude. Our government and it’s judicial system appeared powerless to intervene in my sons case, even when it became clear that he was being subjected to psychological torture. As a family we didn’t know where to turn.
As the only British political party to oppose the European Arrest Warrant legislation we contacted UKIP.
Your response has been overwhelming and your personal endeavours well beyond the call of duty. You were the only British politician to take the bull by the horns and travel to Budapest, meeting the Hungarian authorities face to face and demanding justice for your constituents. A task which displayed incredible courage and fortitude in this overbearing post Communist regime.
You took their case to the European Parliament, you brought the injustice to the attention of the press, you reassured our family and Michael’s friends…… The rest is history, Michael is now back with us amongst his friends and family. A wonderful conclusion to a formidable campaign.
Standing firm on the steps of the Hungarian Embassy in London, confronting the Hungarian authorities in Budapest or debating the matter on the floor of the European parliament, you never faltered in your fight for justice. As dark clouds appear to gather over European politics there will always be light as long as men as brave as you are prepared to carry the torch.
Your efforts have clearly gone beyond politics and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we hope that one day will be our guest of honour at The Castle Inn and Michael will be able to serve you a pint of traditional local ale.
You will always be remembered in our hearts and prayers.
Yours Sincerely,
Mark Turner, on behalf of The Turner family, and the village of Corfe Castle, Dorset.