Comments
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNP
2009-06-01 11:03:29
After posting my blog on the BNP and Diversity yesterday (apologies to Diversity for having them in the same sentence as the BNP) I went for a long bike ride, with the wind behind me all the way back from Chipping Barnet, read a bit, wrote a bit, watched a bit of the French Open before checking on responses to the blog.
The avalanche on Facebook suggested that if only people are exposed to the reality of what the BNP say and stand for, they can be provoked into action.
It was not all one way. Whilst most took the opportunity simply to add their own forms of condemnation, or historical context, there were a few 'I'm not racist but...' contributions in there, a few blaming Labour's record on helping working people (which I can defend against any government record you like to name) and some saying we should not be taking them seriously, all of which provoked fresh debate through the day.
Watch out in the next 24 hours for a letter whose signatories are headed by Gordon Brown, and include sports stars, actors and trade union leaders, urging people to 'vote for a Great Britain' in the European elections on Thursday.
The letter celebrates our tolerance and diversity and draws attention to some of the views of racial-hatred-inciting, Holocaust-denying BNP leader Nick Griffin, a man it describes as 'not only racist but fascist.' It was obvious to me from some of the comments yesterday that Griffin's strategy of concealing his extremism has had some effect, helped of course by MPs' expenses which have created a sense of a political elite divorced from the mainstream majority.
I would argue that it is extremism and fascism that is divorced from the mainstream, and which the mainstream has to defeat, by voting against the BNP on Thursday.
** I can't let the morning go by without pointing out that had a Labour Cabinet minister been responsible for the expenses claims of David Cameron, both wisteria clearance and second home allowance, we would have heard an awful lot more of it.
In an explanation so convoluted I don't have the time or the will to put it up here in full, Dave insists he has done nothing wrong, that the taxpayer has had value for money and if his party's scrutiny committee thinks he should pay it back he will. That would be the three-man scrutiny committee with his chief whip and his chief of staff on it. Some 'new politics' eh?
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A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Des Currie
2009-06-02 08:09:28Em, old chap, when one is writing on the master of spins blog one should be wary of little spin coming from the respondents. I got my message across, and it had nothing to do with the colour of my skin or the the passing of ships.
Des Currrie
gary Enefer
2009-06-01 21:46:26What a mess we are in.
Wyrdtimes
2009-06-01 20:44:47Perhaps the Telegraphs coverage was balanced by the coverage from governments mouthpiece the BBC.
Last week the lead story was about a tory sleaze every day and barely a mention of the grubbyness of of whiter than white new labour with their flip flopping of 2nd, 3rd and 4th homes. Or most disgracefully of all putting accountancy fees on expenses - using taxpayers money to avoid paying taxes themselves.
We expect the tories to be selfish money grubbing scoundrels. But Labour are vile hypocrites to boot. Holier than thou, we care for the poor etc. But robbing from all and worming their way out of paying their full share of taxes themselves. Vile.
Still Ed Balls will be happy eh? What a man to be chancellor. Annihilation awaits Labour and it is so, so deserved.
dcrowley
2009-06-01 19:01:39Keep up the good work Alistair. I cannot believe that the Telegraph gave Cameron such an easy ride in today's edition.
James Brunton
2009-06-01 17:08:51Maybe Alistair, if your beloved Labour party had so badly let down the people they are elected and purport to represent then ordinary people wouldn't feel such a need for 'real' change ... from the corrupt governing party who has now tainted most MP's (of course other parties MP's were caught with their hands in the till too). You also cannot dictate one person's political views to anyone else...it's immoral and goes against what a 'Great Britain' stands for. Furthermore, if I thought that it would rid the country of the incompetent idiocy of Gordon Brown I would be sorely tempted to put aside my misgivings about the BNP in order to oust the PM, to show those governing the country that this country is no longer willing to accept the currently shoddy standards of leadership!
Ian Davies
2009-06-01 16:26:12The mainstream majority do not sense that the political elite are divored, they know.
Extremism and fascism are on the rise throughout Europe due to the inactivity of politicians to control immigration allowing thE fanatics to scaremonger.
The PM needs to do more than head a letter, he needs to get out there and be the PM.
Thomas Rossetti
2009-06-01 16:18:45Alastair, I entirely agree with you that "...if people are exposed to the reality of what the BNP say and stand for, they can be provoked into action."
This however, was not done by mainstream politicians or journalists for years. As I've stated before, people just pretended the BNP didn't exist. This is what was tried with Jean Marie Le Pen and his Front National in France during the 1980s and didn't work. M Le Pen's party now has seven seats in the European Parliament and the man himself came second in the presidential elections of 2002.
I think the reason that people feel the need to pre-empt their statements with "I'm not a racist but…" is that, in the past, *any* concern expressed about asylum or immigration was met with accusations of racism or hate-mongering. (Tony Blair and Simon Hughes shamefully did this to William Hague before the 2001 General Election.) It is good to see that this lazy slur will no longer wash and that mainstream politicians -- and the mainstream media -- are finally taking on the likes of the BNP.
Boudicca
2009-06-01 15:18:45The rise in the BNP is entirely due to the policies Labour has carried out for the past 12 years of unfettered immigration coupled with lax asylum procedures and appeasement of Muslim terrorists.
I won't be voting BNP - they are extreme socialists (National, rather than international) and I'm not - but I don't need someone partly responsible for their rise to tell me not to.
As for a letter signed by Gordon and various luvvies, sport stars and dinosaur trade union leaders .... do you seriously expect that to change anyone's opinion of the incompetent residing in No.10 and the bunch of expense-fiddling members of his Cabinet?
Em
2009-06-01 15:18:22I mentioned your FB page at a dinner party last evening and I was surprised to see that many of the guests knew very little about the BNP. It was difficult to convince them that such a party can exist in the U.K. today. Anyway, I set them straight.
Don't want to defend Dave but could it be that the wisteria threatened the foundations of the house? In that case, the expense would be necessary, if not an emergency. That plant should be classified as a terrorist threat. I'll go read his excuses after writing this but with every new extravagant story regarding expenses, every time I try to imagine what thought processes were at work at the time the expense was claimed.
It is indeed unfair that Labour is getting more scrutiny, but it is hardly surprising. With great power comes great responsibility and after three terms in office, the media isn't interested in assessing Labour in a just manner. It seems to me that the Blair/Brown dichotomy was created and perpetrated both by individuals in Labour and the media. This myth-making (the cupboard they first shared at Westminster, the Granita pact, etc...) was fated for a bad end. Brown was never given a fair shake, not from the press and, perhaps, I'm not sure, not from his own party either.
DES, your comment is elusive but I'm guessing this so-called "choice of civilisation to be followed" is part of the newfangled frills white supremacists have added to their repertoire. Interesting how, just as contemporary society has renewed interest in genetics, the great white hopes are talking culture rather than nature now. Retarded as always and in every way.
(Retarded: delay or hold back in terms of progress, development or accomplishment)
mary
2009-06-01 14:37:42Much of what you say is probably correct Alastair, but it is coming across as smoke and mirrors. Never mind the coduct of the Home Secretary and the Chancellor, lets talk about the BNP instead. You really need to acknowledge that a Labour government has chosen to ignore the expenses issues for 12 years. Even now, it seems impossible for Mr.Brown to get on with identifying and dismissing the major wrong doers. Why keep waiting for the Telegraph?
Steve
2009-06-01 13:39:00I will be voting BNP on June 4th, I'm sick and tired of the multi cultural message being forced down the throats of the British people as a smokescreen for the continued invasion of our lands by anyone who has the desire to set up home here. Politicians need to be sent a clear message that the people of the UK have had enough.
Chris M
2009-06-01 13:20:36Alistair Campbell...communicator, writer, bullshitter.
This is a man who played his part in the wholesale destruction of our country and all he can waffle on about is his love for diversity.
The mainstream has no duty to vote against anyone. The mainstream has a duty to vote for the party whose values they believe in, if thats the BNP, then so be it. Its called a democracy, not that you would know too much about that :-)
Its down to the mainstream parties to "listen" to the publics concerns, not the other way round!!!!
Des Currie
2009-06-01 13:07:08I am a white man, born and lived in Southern Africa most of my life, and worked extensively with populations across racial divides, and can categorically state with the firmest of convictions that there is a racial divide amongst the various population groupings bordering on the choice of civilisation to be followed. And so it is throughout Africa and the rest of world. We are not "equal", common sense should tell you that.
Like values tend to keep company with like values, and civilisation should be all being civilised, without having to cart those kicking and screaming into it, those who have chosen some other route.
There are exceptions, of course, but the exceptions are in so small minority as to be inconsequential.
So it may be said that though Nick Griffin denies the holocaust, he is doing so at the same time Israel is following its own decimation of the Palestinians.
And so it goes, civilisations, passing slowly in the night.
Des Currie
Max
2009-06-01 12:22:35Hi, Alastair,
I watched the repeat last night of Comic Relief: The Apprentice, and was again reminded of how disappointed I am in you, in that despite all your apparent beliefs in socialism and equality, you revert to worst kind of chauvinistic, even paternalistic, schoolboy bully whenever you get the chance. I do not expect you to agree with this. It is my observation, and I am not sure you can do much about changing your behaviour. But it is remarkable to me that it always seems to be those from the Left who display these supposed "alpha male" characteristics, almost as a badge of working class honour. I find it really unattractive. I think that, if I were a woman, I would find it even more off-putting. Am I supposed to admire it?
Ian Eastwood
2009-06-01 12:05:47In the current economic and political environment the BNP must be rubbing there hands. How many free votes have been handed to them in the wake of the expenses scandal? Tied in with rising unemployment and public disaffection, this creates a breeding ground for many extremist views. These must be fought against at every opportunity. To hand any power to these people is dancing with the devil, something people will regret when it’s to late.
Brian
2009-06-01 11:57:17I twittered a few days ago regarding MP's expenses and how it had been open to 'interpretation' for years, but surely the British mainstream are not blind to the fact of what the BNP actually stand for. A vote in that direction as a protest to Labour or any other credible party would be huge error in terms of expressing dis-satisfaction with the handling of current issues and the latest financial revelations.
Pete B
2009-06-01 11:50:37"a few blaming Labour's record on helping working people (which I can defend against any government record you like to name)"
The suggestion that entrenched social disadvantage is a major force behind votes for the BNP is not incompatible with the view that Labour has done infinitely more for the most disadvantaged in society than the Tories did during their 18 years in power. Nor does it deny that a fourth Labour term would be a much better prospect for those who suffer from entrenched disadvantages than a David Cameron government ever could be.
However, appalling poverty has certainly not been banished from our society. Until it is, Labour cannot claim to have done enough. As I said yesterday, when people are in a situation where they feel helpless and excluded, they are much more likely to vote for racist parties whose messages resonate with their feelings of exclusion and injustice.
Only through working to free the most disadvantaged members of our society from poverty can the threat from the BNP be avoided. Even more money needs to be invested in schools which serve deprived areas and more doctors, social workers and drug treatment programmes need to be provided too. Campaigning directly against the BNP is only likely to make them more of an appealing way for people to rebel against the political mainstream.
Alex
2009-06-01 11:46:27The BNP might be a gang of red necked racists, but unlike you they have not told lies and spin to lead the UK into a war where thousands of women and children have been killed. WAR CRIMINAL
Terry Evans
2009-06-01 11:39:04I'm pleased that you've gone with this subject again as you will see by the message I left on your wall yesterday. These vile people have a drip drip effect that does get through to some people. The politics of the BNP are so vile and hateful it is scary that they may even just get a semblance of power. Glad thay GB is becoming more proactive but I fear his time should be up and for the benefit of the Labour party we need a new leader. My preference would be Alan Johnson.
Richard
2009-06-01 11:30:22I'm not racist either but I'll vote Tory - and got my mum to do so also.
Freddy Hanson
2009-06-01 11:17:16I am not racist but ... I sure as hell am not voting Labour.
Jenni Hay
2009-06-01 11:16:18Your old paper carries a good piece by the Prime Minister too so he has obviously decided to get into the debate against the BNP a bit more. I have been alarmed how, apart from the Mirror and the piece you referred to in the Observer, the media seem to be giving the BNP an easy time, almost willing them to do well because that would be another stick with which to beat Labour and Gordon Brown in particular
Alan Marsh
2009-06-01 11:14:05Good to see the Independent running your blog this morning. That too suggests it hit a nerve. I hope this is not happening too late. Glad to hear Gordon doing something, but maybe he could have done earlier, but was preoccupied with expenses
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