D-Day 65 years on: Union urges voters to fight fascism
Tuesday, 2 June 2009 12:01 AM
By Ian Dunt
As the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings approaches, a leading union is encouraging Brits to fight fascism at the polls in this week's local and European elections.
Analysts have become increasingly concerned about a possible British National party (BNP) revival during Thursday's vote, with the expenses scandal and a general disillusionment leading many voters to stay at home.
Far right parties across Europe tend to perform far better when turnout is low.
"We owe our freedom to the D-Day fighters who set sail 65 years ago," said Dave Prentis, Unison's general secretary.
"It is now time to fight again, but this time the fight is to keep the BNP out of the European parliament and we are all armed with one vote. Each vote is a vital weapon in the war against fascism.
"The party claims to be standing up for Britain but nothing could be further from the truth," he continued.
"They believe that no black or Asian person, even if they are second or third generation, can ever be British.
"And BNP leaders have also refused to support the English football team because it has black players."
Britain goes to the polls on June 4th.
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