Time to unite, act and stop the BNP before Euro poll in June

THE fight against the far right in Britain has never been harder – or more important. That is the message that came over loud and clear at the Unite Against Fascism national conference at Congress House in London on Saturday.

by Tribune Web Editor
Thursday, February 26th, 2009

by Keith Richmond

THE fight against the far right in Britain has never been harder – or more important. That is the message that came over loud and clear at the Unite Against Fascism national conference at Congress House in London on Saturday.

More than 400 politicians, trade union activists, members of Muslim, Jewish, black and Asian groups, and lesbian and gay organisations got together to sound the alarm about the rise of the British National Party.

The BNP has been winning council seats and polling record votes for a neo-fascist party in Britain and the fear is it could gain seats in the European Parliament unless a vigorous campaign is mounted this spring.

Ken Livingstone, chair of Unite Against Fascism said: “The BNP’s and fascists’ targets change. First it was the Jews, then the Irish, then the African, Caribbean and Asian communities. Today the prime targets are Muslims. The Muslim community is one of the most integrated communities in Britain. Opinion polling showed more Muslims in London felt patriotic towards England than the average Londoner. There is no Islamic enemy within.

“We must unite together against the BNP and forms of bigotry. Just like the Anti-Nazi League and Rock Against Racism fought the National Front in the 1970s, Unite Against Fascism is bringing together a movement to stop the BNP.”

Peter Hain, Labour MP for Neath, said: “The most important lesson of history is of unity against the BNP. Today’s fight is harder than the movement in the 1970s, with fascists polling high votes and attempting to present themselves as a legitimate, normal political party. I campaigned against apartheid in South Africa, and now I campaign against fascism, racism and Islamophobia.”

Glyn Ford, Labour MEP for South West England, said: “The BNP is emulating France’s Front National strategy. By June 1984 the Front National made a breakthrough and France has since then never been able to get rid of them. If the BNP get elected here it will be the start of a permanent presence. Our job is to stop the BNP. We must get out there, organise and mobilise the vote. People not voting will give fascists an electoral breakthrough.”

Those calls came in the wake of the shock BNP victory in a by-election for Sevenoaks council in Kent. The BNP won Swanley St Mary’s with 408 votes pushing Labour, which had held the seat, into second place with 332. The Tories came third with 247.

Paul Golding, the BNP candidate, called it “an outstanding result” and “a historic day for the BNP”. He said: “It has implications far beyond Sevenoaks and bodes well for the entire south east and the upcoming Euro elections.”

Swanley St Mary’s has, traditionally, been a safe Labour seat on a Conservative-controlled council. Swanley has a lot of social housing and little in common with the leafy lanes and commuter belt wealth of its near neighbour Sevenoaks.

It is the second council seat the BNP has taken in the south east of England outside London – Emma Colgate was elected to Thurrock council in Essex in May last year.

Jon Cruddas, Labour MP for Dagenham, said: “With UKIP faltering and the economy hurtling into recession we need everyone who opposes the BNP’s message of hate to play a part because a BNP victory will change the political landscape in Britain.”

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  • Michael Watts

    The UAF are nothing more than a goverment funded assortment of the far left whose sole aim is to destroy the democratic process by intimidation and bully boy tactics of the legitimate BNP……the real fascists are New Labour and it’s unelected henchmen.

  • Michael Watts

    The UAF are nothing more than a goverment funded assortment of the far left whose sole aim is to destroy the democratic process by intimidation and bully boy tactics of the legitimate BNP……the real fascists are New Labour and it’s unelected henchmen.

  • Sara

    British people wanting to keep their tiny homeland British. Yes, how very ‘extreme’.

  • Sara

    British people wanting to keep their tiny homeland British. Yes, how very ‘extreme’.

  • http://www.freedom2choose.co.uk Robert Feal-martinez

    I had to smile at the comments linking UKIP as in someway being similar to the BNP. UKIP is a centre party that is totally non racist.

    The BNP is not a far right party but a far left party and is taking voted from Labour. This cynical attempt at association is nothing more than playing the politics of fear.

    UKIP totally support any moves to halt the growth in the BNP but for Labour to lie by association is harmful to that cause, and shows the panic there is within the Labour ranks, that their own core vote if being swallowed up.

    People are rightly sick of spin politics, I would have thought Labour would have realised that by now. A vote for UKIP is a vote for real democracy, not a vote for racism.

  • http://www.freedom2choose.co.uk Robert Feal-martinez

    I had to smile at the comments linking UKIP as in someway being similar to the BNP. UKIP is a centre party that is totally non racist.

    The BNP is not a far right party but a far left party and is taking voted from Labour. This cynical attempt at association is nothing more than playing the politics of fear.

    UKIP totally support any moves to halt the growth in the BNP but for Labour to lie by association is harmful to that cause, and shows the panic there is within the Labour ranks, that their own core vote if being swallowed up.

    People are rightly sick of spin politics, I would have thought Labour would have realised that by now. A vote for UKIP is a vote for real democracy, not a vote for racism.

  • James

    Why so much fuss over the BNP gaining power? The Labour government are the ones who illegally invaded iraq. They are also the ones who are illegally giving our money away to rich bankers as we speak! Labour is the ‘extreme’ party. It’s ridiculous ‘put Britain second’ policies and multiculturalism experiments have left this once Great Nation in pieces.

    Why do you fear the BNP so much? If you are British you have nothing to fear. Furthermore, going by Labour’s track record the international community is likley to have less to fear aswell. If you actually go to the BNP website and read their policies you will see they are not racist; they are nationalist! the two are very different concepts. Legal established immigrants and people from ethnic backgrounds will be given the same preferential treatment as white people if the BNP got into power BECAUSE ALL BRITISH PEOPLE DESERVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY. This is what the BNP stands for go check their website if you do not believe me.

  • James

    Why so much fuss over the BNP gaining power? The Labour government are the ones who illegally invaded iraq. They are also the ones who are illegally giving our money away to rich bankers as we speak! Labour is the ‘extreme’ party. It’s ridiculous ‘put Britain second’ policies and multiculturalism experiments have left this once Great Nation in pieces.

    Why do you fear the BNP so much? If you are British you have nothing to fear. Furthermore, going by Labour’s track record the international community is likley to have less to fear aswell. If you actually go to the BNP website and read their policies you will see they are not racist; they are nationalist! the two are very different concepts. Legal established immigrants and people from ethnic backgrounds will be given the same preferential treatment as white people if the BNP got into power BECAUSE ALL BRITISH PEOPLE DESERVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY. This is what the BNP stands for go check their website if you do not believe me.

  • Joan Walters

    “More than 400 politicians, trade union activists, members of Muslim, Jewish, black and Asian groups, and lesbian and gay organisations got together to sound the alarm about the rise of the British National Party” – judging by that list, I think it is the rest of us who should be alarmed.

  • Joan Walters

    “More than 400 politicians, trade union activists, members of Muslim, Jewish, black and Asian groups, and lesbian and gay organisations got together to sound the alarm about the rise of the British National Party” – judging by that list, I think it is the rest of us who should be alarmed.

  • Roger Davenport

    Joan Walters has it right.

    I shall be voting for the BNP.

    I am a middle-class professional by the way and highly educated. I mention that only so you know it isn’t just the so-called working class that the BNP appeals to — not by a long chalk now. Many many of my friends and acquaintances now have a similar outlook to me. We discuss it quite openly which is rather novel and refreshing.

    We are very angry.

    We think it’s time for some payback for you and your kind attempting to destroy the nation. You poisonous fifth columnists have had your day. It will be a pleasure to see the back of you. All of you.

    By the way, I’m surprised you count Jews among your number. I always thought they had more sense than that. Still, perhaps it is just a few rogues you have there. Yes, that must be it.

  • Roger Davenport

    Joan Walters has it right.

    I shall be voting for the BNP.

    I am a middle-class professional by the way and highly educated. I mention that only so you know it isn’t just the so-called working class that the BNP appeals to — not by a long chalk now. Many many of my friends and acquaintances now have a similar outlook to me. We discuss it quite openly which is rather novel and refreshing.

    We are very angry.

    We think it’s time for some payback for you and your kind attempting to destroy the nation. You poisonous fifth columnists have had your day. It will be a pleasure to see the back of you. All of you.

    By the way, I’m surprised you count Jews among your number. I always thought they had more sense than that. Still, perhaps it is just a few rogues you have there. Yes, that must be it.

  • steve

    with uberfascists like Livingstone and Hain ( I’ve never heard of Ford )in the politburo I’m no longer sure whose side I’m on
    But then it doesn’t matter as Livingstone et al will tell me what to think antway.

  • steve

    with uberfascists like Livingstone and Hain ( I’ve never heard of Ford )in the politburo I’m no longer sure whose side I’m on
    But then it doesn’t matter as Livingstone et al will tell me what to think antway.

  • steve

    ‘antway ‘ was a typo but upon reconsideration its not a bad word to describe how the cosy elite think the rest of us should act and think – almost Orwellian .
    I also like Cruddas’ comment – conceding that UKIP was always a Zanu sponsored decoy party.
    Here’s a question – how many days of real work have Livingstone , Hain and Cruddas put in between them ?
    Answer – none. Not one of them has ever got any of their soft little hands dirty. They have all parasited off working people and live in luxury. Remember that next time you sign on. Power to the people

  • steve

    ‘antway ‘ was a typo but upon reconsideration its not a bad word to describe how the cosy elite think the rest of us should act and think – almost Orwellian .
    I also like Cruddas’ comment – conceding that UKIP was always a Zanu sponsored decoy party.
    Here’s a question – how many days of real work have Livingstone , Hain and Cruddas put in between them ?
    Answer – none. Not one of them has ever got any of their soft little hands dirty. They have all parasited off working people and live in luxury. Remember that next time you sign on. Power to the people

  • steve

    hey this fun my comments are blocked by the MSM but Tribune lets my posts through.
    If you consider yourself a member of the British working class don’t forget to vote for ‘ your party ‘ in the forthcoming Euro elections. That’s not the rag tag collection of 6th form revolutionaries and Stalinist control freaks that pass for today’s labour party of course its the BNP.
    See you at the barricades comrades

  • steve

    hey this fun my comments are blocked by the MSM but Tribune lets my posts through.
    If you consider yourself a member of the British working class don’t forget to vote for ‘ your party ‘ in the forthcoming Euro elections. That’s not the rag tag collection of 6th form revolutionaries and Stalinist control freaks that pass for today’s labour party of course its the BNP.
    See you at the barricades comrades

  • KASHA

    The BNP claims to be respectable, mainstream, and democratic but its new image masks a very ugly truth. Race remains the cornerstone of BNP politics.The fact that the BNP believe black or Asian people can never be British, even if they were born here or have served in the forces or looked after the sick and infirm (40% of workforce in the NHS). They oppose any racial integration and even mixed marriages. They believe ethnic minorities should be second-class citizens under the law. That people should be given preference in the jobs and housing market, and even in choice of schools on the basis of the colour of their skin.The BNP is evidence of a new challenge in British politics.The policies of the BNP are a disaster for the economy of the UK.If the BNP got their way and all non-whites and foreigners were booted out of the country then why wouldn’t all these foreign-owned companies pull out as well? The NHS will collapse,transport will come to halt,the construction industry would come to a stand still.We live in a complex and intertwined global economy. The BNP is a racist, anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim and homophobic party thriving on politics of hate. It is a threat to democracy and human rights – and needs to be stopped.Opposing and challenging racism and celebrating multiculturalism is the only way to stop the rise of the BNP.

  • KASHA

    The BNP claims to be respectable, mainstream, and democratic but its new image masks a very ugly truth. Race remains the cornerstone of BNP politics.The fact that the BNP believe black or Asian people can never be British, even if they were born here or have served in the forces or looked after the sick and infirm (40% of workforce in the NHS). They oppose any racial integration and even mixed marriages. They believe ethnic minorities should be second-class citizens under the law. That people should be given preference in the jobs and housing market, and even in choice of schools on the basis of the colour of their skin.The BNP is evidence of a new challenge in British politics.The policies of the BNP are a disaster for the economy of the UK.If the BNP got their way and all non-whites and foreigners were booted out of the country then why wouldn’t all these foreign-owned companies pull out as well? The NHS will collapse,transport will come to halt,the construction industry would come to a stand still.We live in a complex and intertwined global economy. The BNP is a racist, anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim and homophobic party thriving on politics of hate. It is a threat to democracy and human rights – and needs to be stopped.Opposing and challenging racism and celebrating multiculturalism is the only way to stop the rise of the BNP.

  • steve

    you still haven’t stopped me ; this is good. I’ve looked up Glyn Ford’s bio on his own site and guess what ?
    Yep . He is another one of the ‘why bother working when you can parasite of the taxpayer and then dictate to them what they should think ‘ self appointed elite. Extended Uni education then onto the staff , labour party appointments , paper shuffling ‘ observer ‘ of nothing in particular , Euro MEP snout in the trough – all the usual stuff. So add him to the list and the total is still – none.
    Any other Zanu Common Purpose parasite want to make an anti BNP comment ; Straw ?, Balls ? , Blears ?, Mandleson ? – no rush. I can wait until you’ve finished piling the blame on the banking scapegoats , polishing your pensions and counting your expenses.

  • steve

    you still haven’t stopped me ; this is good. I’ve looked up Glyn Ford’s bio on his own site and guess what ?
    Yep . He is another one of the ‘why bother working when you can parasite of the taxpayer and then dictate to them what they should think ‘ self appointed elite. Extended Uni education then onto the staff , labour party appointments , paper shuffling ‘ observer ‘ of nothing in particular , Euro MEP snout in the trough – all the usual stuff. So add him to the list and the total is still – none.
    Any other Zanu Common Purpose parasite want to make an anti BNP comment ; Straw ?, Balls ? , Blears ?, Mandleson ? – no rush. I can wait until you’ve finished piling the blame on the banking scapegoats , polishing your pensions and counting your expenses.

  • Steve fowler

    Steve said-

    I also like Cruddas’ comment – conceding that UKIP was always a Zanu sponsored decoy party.

    Well when you have proof of that decoy bit please show me the facts that back up that claim cause so far it no true has come out no matter how many times the press, lib/lab/con or the BNP try to make out.

  • Steve fowler

    Steve said-

    I also like Cruddas’ comment – conceding that UKIP was always a Zanu sponsored decoy party.

    Well when you have proof of that decoy bit please show me the facts that back up that claim cause so far it no true has come out no matter how many times the press, lib/lab/con or the BNP try to make out.

  • http://www.freedom2choose.co.uk Robert Feal-Martinez

    Roger Davenport : Racism has never been a class thing, in fact many would argue that the middle and upper class, are perhaps more able, through intellect, to hide it.

    That saia Racism is Racism, any one who supports the BNP is supporting racism and white supremacy, Labour by attempt to link UKIP with the BNP simply compound more racism.

    If anyone wants to know what UKIP think of the BNP watch this clip of Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP on the Daily Politics show yesterday.

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/the_daily_politics/7914623.stm

  • http://www.freedom2choose.co.uk Robert Feal-Martinez

    Roger Davenport : Racism has never been a class thing, in fact many would argue that the middle and upper class, are perhaps more able, through intellect, to hide it.

    That saia Racism is Racism, any one who supports the BNP is supporting racism and white supremacy, Labour by attempt to link UKIP with the BNP simply compound more racism.

    If anyone wants to know what UKIP think of the BNP watch this clip of Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP on the Daily Politics show yesterday.

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/the_daily_politics/7914623.stm

  • http://www.freedom2choose.co.uk Robert Feal-Martinez
  • http://www.freedom2choose.co.uk Robert Feal-Martinez
  • Michael

    I used to vote labour. I’m appalled at what they have done to this country, trampled on it’s dignity and treated indigeneous British people as scum.

    I’m middle class, own my home, have a young family at school, wife and I both work. I enjoy Bach & Mozart, have a MSC from a ‘good’ university, have a responsible position at work.

    I’m voting BNP to help Britain get it’s dignity back.

  • Michael

    I used to vote labour. I’m appalled at what they have done to this country, trampled on it’s dignity and treated indigeneous British people as scum.

    I’m middle class, own my home, have a young family at school, wife and I both work. I enjoy Bach & Mozart, have a MSC from a ‘good’ university, have a responsible position at work.

    I’m voting BNP to help Britain get it’s dignity back.

  • Tim Johnson

    “I’m middle class, own my home, have a young family at school, wife and I both work. I enjoy Bach & Mozart, have a MSC from a ‘good’ university, have a responsible position at work.”

    Why all the pointless information? You think listening to Bach and Mozart is a sign of intelligence? You think ‘working’ is a sign of intelligence?

    This just shows that you make huge generalisations.

  • Tim Johnson

    “I’m middle class, own my home, have a young family at school, wife and I both work. I enjoy Bach & Mozart, have a MSC from a ‘good’ university, have a responsible position at work.”

    Why all the pointless information? You think listening to Bach and Mozart is a sign of intelligence? You think ‘working’ is a sign of intelligence?

    This just shows that you make huge generalisations.

  • A Trebilco

    I am an Artist and environmental activist.

    Why would these people want to ‘unite’ to stop the BNP when the BNP stands for true conservation in every sense.

    So that that UAF/Unions,Labour/globalists et al seek the continued spoilation of all that truly matters and all that is dignified with their liberal fascism.

  • A Trebilco

    I am an Artist and environmental activist.

    Why would these people want to ‘unite’ to stop the BNP when the BNP stands for true conservation in every sense.

    So that that UAF/Unions,Labour/globalists et al seek the continued spoilation of all that truly matters and all that is dignified with their liberal fascism.

  • Durotrigan

    Why are the UAF so scared of democracy? Could it be because they don’t actually believe in it? Incidentally, thinking of the general public’s alienation from the political process and low voter turnout, maybe it’s because they are tired of not being listened to and realise that they are being fed lies?

    At the last General Election I actually canvassed for a Labour candidate against the BNP because I fell for the anti-BNP propaganda that was being peddled by Searchlight et al. Never again, for it transpired that the so-called “lies” being used by the BNP about the situation in the constituency weren’t lies at all. The Labour Party wished to cover up the real situation “for the sake of community cohesion.” The scales fell from my eyes.

    Take a look at the BNP website and you’ll see that their policies fit more with the ideals of honest traditional Labour voters who do not suffer from the pathological national self-loathing so characteristic of the majority of the mainstream Left. I will be voting BNP in future, and would join them if it were not for the fact that thanks to the anti-democratic agitation of groups like UAF I would lose my job.

  • Durotrigan

    Why are the UAF so scared of democracy? Could it be because they don’t actually believe in it? Incidentally, thinking of the general public’s alienation from the political process and low voter turnout, maybe it’s because they are tired of not being listened to and realise that they are being fed lies?

    At the last General Election I actually canvassed for a Labour candidate against the BNP because I fell for the anti-BNP propaganda that was being peddled by Searchlight et al. Never again, for it transpired that the so-called “lies” being used by the BNP about the situation in the constituency weren’t lies at all. The Labour Party wished to cover up the real situation “for the sake of community cohesion.” The scales fell from my eyes.

    Take a look at the BNP website and you’ll see that their policies fit more with the ideals of honest traditional Labour voters who do not suffer from the pathological national self-loathing so characteristic of the majority of the mainstream Left. I will be voting BNP in future, and would join them if it were not for the fact that thanks to the anti-democratic agitation of groups like UAF I would lose my job.

  • steve

    Ye Gods I thought I would come back to find a few posts ( at least ) challenging my comments .But apart from another Steve telling us that UKIP is not a Zanu decoy – nothing. Sorry Steve we all know it is ( your pal Robert says so doesn’t he ? ) ; it was interesting to see Zanu admiting it .That just shows the panic that our Dhim-wit liberal fascists are in. ‘ Drat if wasn’t for those pesky patriots we’d have got away with it ‘
    While we’re on the subject of Dhim-wits how on earth does old Ken hope to keep his Islamofascist bedfellows from slaughtering everyone else listed in the UAF rainbow alliance ? As I understand it the Religion of Peace doesn’t have a lot of time for Jews , homosexuals , trade union activists , feminists etc etc . Does he think his ‘ schoolteaching ‘ experience will do the trick ?
    ‘ No hanging homosexuals at the back there – you might think its big and clever but its just disrupting the class . Just one more carbomb Muhammad and you’re off the Headmaster’s study . Any more of that silly stoning women stuff and I’m cancelling the next Jihad ‘

  • steve

    Ye Gods I thought I would come back to find a few posts ( at least ) challenging my comments .But apart from another Steve telling us that UKIP is not a Zanu decoy – nothing. Sorry Steve we all know it is ( your pal Robert says so doesn’t he ? ) ; it was interesting to see Zanu admiting it .That just shows the panic that our Dhim-wit liberal fascists are in. ‘ Drat if wasn’t for those pesky patriots we’d have got away with it ‘
    While we’re on the subject of Dhim-wits how on earth does old Ken hope to keep his Islamofascist bedfellows from slaughtering everyone else listed in the UAF rainbow alliance ? As I understand it the Religion of Peace doesn’t have a lot of time for Jews , homosexuals , trade union activists , feminists etc etc . Does he think his ‘ schoolteaching ‘ experience will do the trick ?
    ‘ No hanging homosexuals at the back there – you might think its big and clever but its just disrupting the class . Just one more carbomb Muhammad and you’re off the Headmaster’s study . Any more of that silly stoning women stuff and I’m cancelling the next Jihad ‘

  • John Preston

    I just love the comment on here.
    This article is an Anti BNP rant and every one seems to be siding with the BNP.
    It just goes to show what a ‘minority’ we are.

    Now will be politicians see what was once considered a minority party has grown up and is ready to stand toe to toe with the big boys in politics and whoop ass.

  • John Preston

    I just love the comment on here.
    This article is an Anti BNP rant and every one seems to be siding with the BNP.
    It just goes to show what a ‘minority’ we are.

    Now will be politicians see what was once considered a minority party has grown up and is ready to stand toe to toe with the big boys in politics and whoop ass.

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