Melanie Phillips could have a point

By Julian Ware-Lane

Melanie Phillips’ column today, The odious BNP is only gaining ground because voters feel so utterly betrayed, is worth reading.

Now, I rarely agree with what the eminent Daily Mail columnist writes, and indeed there are comments in this article that I would take issue with. However, there is much written here that is worthy of debate.

The BNP has a small, but nonetheless significant, body of ‘supporters’ (by which I mean those who are prepared to vote for them). Most are neither racist nor fascist – just worried. In many cases their fears are unwarranted and are the result of urban myth, poor media reporting, and general misinformation. It is clear that the misinformation must be addressed. It is also clear that if Labour is really interested in listening to the electorate’s concerns then some changes to law will also be required.

Fear of immigration is one issue that the far-right feed upon. My conversations with voters in Castle Point also suggests that perceived injustices and the feeling that criminals are getting away with it is also contributing to a general sense of frustration.

The party of fairness needs to ensure that not only is fairness applied, but that it is seen to be applied.

As a starting point I would suggest that the implementation of the Human Rights Act be looked at. This 1948 document is a wonderful thing and protects us all. Yet in isolated instances it does give the appearance of not only sheltering wrongdoers but actually rewarding them. Miscreants have rights, but they also have responsibilities, responsibilities that are set aside when it suits them.

I think the legal system is also in need of looking at. From the outside looking in one can easily get the impression that obfuscation, delay, and defending the indefensible are a virtue as far as lawyers are concerned. Natural justice is swept aside by pedantry, word games and legal niceties that are food for extremists to feast upon.

I write as both a member of Unite Against Fascism and Amnesty International. I am a liberal do-gooder. As I wrote last week, elections are conversations with the electorate. If we seek to represent all in this great country of ours then we have to listen to those with whom we profoundly disagree. This is not to sell out on our core principles, but a check that what we have implemented to do good, has not achieved the opposite.