Due to over 100,000 North West electors, the scum that is the BNP now have representation in the European Parliament. They also won a seat on Lancashire County Council, the biggest local authority in the region, with electoral success in Burnley.
As one of my friends put it, it makes you feel ‘grubby’. Or it should do.
Some political commentators have suggested that it is the behaviour of our mainstream political parties, and the scandalous MP’s expenses revelations that has led voters into the arms of the BNP.
That provides the thousands of people who supported that despicable extremist grouping an excuse that, frankly, they don’t deserve.
The BNP have no place in British politics, and for them to gain support on the very weekend we were paying tribute to the courageous war heroes that participated in the D – day landings to safeguard our country from fascism, added to the outrage that I, and I know millions of others felt.
Those who think that this is a flash in the pan protest vote that won’t much matter when we get to the next General Election miss the point. France elected fascists to the European Parliament in the 80’s and 90’s and has been perceived as a racist country ever since. I fear the UK will suffer a similar tarnishing of its image.
When the Prime Minister does decide to go to the country, I fully expect BNP support to evaporate. But the damage to our nation’s image will last beyond that election – and for four years we here in North West will have a constant, horrible reminder of the day we shamefully allowed those who would happily abolish democratic politics the opportunity of venting their sickening views on not just a local, but the international stage. Grubby indeed.
TORY CONCERN?
The BNP’s victory, alongside Labour’s incredible week of turmoil as they suffered their lowest poll showing ever, and a Ministerial meltdown, somewhat overshadowed the poor performance of the Conservative Party. 28% of a national poll at this stage of a Parliament was an underwhelming return for David Cameron’s team. It will give the Tories some cause for concern – and Labour members renewed hope that all may not, after all, be lost. Hence, Brown’s continued survival and the prospect of a hung parliament in 2010.