The threat from the BNP is real and growing

By Philip Honour

Voters in the Fenham area of Newcastle will today take part in the latest in a string of local council by-elections. Although the eventual winner will probably be a Labour or Liberal Democrat representative, it is likely that, in a repeat of last week’s by-election in Bexley, the BNP will increase their vote substantially. It is deeply worrying that this is happening in areas such as Fenham and Bexley and illustrates the danger that the BNP may gain a seat in the upcoming Euro elections.

Recently launched campaigns such as ‘Hope not Hate‘ and individual MPs and Ministers (notably Jon Cruddas and Hazel Blears) are doing their best to combat this problem but it is going to take a huge grassroots campaign to ensure that the BNP are defeated in May.

The Internet has a huge role to play in this. Alarm bells should be sounded through social networking, blogs and mailing lists when a by-election is too close to call, not just when the BNP may win but when it may increase its share of the vote. If this had happened in Fenham or Bexley, it would have provided opportunities to organise mobilisation of supporters from across the political spectrum to combat the BNP, who thrive and grow through campaigning in so-called ‘safe’ seats, where they push the line that mainstream parties are ignoring the electorate.

It is not just the responsibility of organisations setup to fight fascism to combat this lie.

At this time of year, as we mark Holocaust Memorial Day and are reminded of the dangers of prejudice, racism and hate, it is important that we all take responsibility, regardless of political persuasion or affiliation, for ensuring that next year does not see Nick Griffin walk into the House of Commons.

We desperately need to find a way to engage with the electorate who see the BNP as the only option. If the BNP does make gains, we will only have ourselves to blame because we didn’t make the alternative clear enough.

In this time of recession and rising unemployment, this is a fight we can not afford to lose.