BNP members told to hide party allegiance

Wednesday, 8 July 2009 12:00 AM

By Liz Stephens

British National party members have been told to hide their support for the controversial far-right party by their own party chairman, it was revealed today.

In an email to members and supporters, Nick Griffin told them to "try and avoid" owning up to being BNP supporters when writing to complain about the treatment of two members.

Entitled 'Adam Walker needs our help', the email called for members to write letters in support for teachers Adam and Mark Walker.

Mr Walker has been accused of religious intolerance by the General Teaching Council (GTC) and could be struck off the teaching register if it finds against him.

He left his teaching job in 2007 after allegedly using a school laptop to contribute racist and religiously intolerant views to online discussions during lessons.

His brother Mark lost an appeal against his sacking for a similar offence.

Both brothers have stood as BNP candidates in elections.

The email by Mr Griffin calls on BNP supporters to contact the GTC to protest about "fascist harrasment [sic]" but not to admit their political affiliation.

"When complaining, please be articulate, polite and sensible and try and avoid stating that you are a BNP supporter," he said.

Former education secretary David Blunkett said: "It's not surprising that decent people are ashamed of the BNP when the BNP have demonstrated very clearly by this that they are ashamed of themselves."

Nick Griffin was elected MEP for the north-west region in June.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission wrote to the far-right party last month accusing it of being in breach of the Race Relations Act on three counts for its "whites-only" membership policy.

Tags:
• equality
,
• party politics