Residents voice their concerns over BNP leaflet

Gazette & Herald by David Jeffels | Thursday, 22 January 2009 | Click here for original article

WORRIED politicians in Ryedale are holding a public meeting on Friday night after the British National Party swamped the district with thousands of its leaflets.

A number of residents contacted the Gazette & Herald this week to voice their concerns about the BNP’s campaign.

Local resident Nigel Copsey said: “BNP activity in this area at this time can only have a negative impact and is a cynical attempt to scapegoat minorities and migrant workers for the deepening crisis. Their message will sadly induce some support locally and it is essential that opponents locally act to counter it.”

He added: “People from across Europe and the rest of the world are welcome in Ryedale. They enrich our local economy and society. Unemployment levels in Ryedale are among the lowest in Britain and have been unaffected by recent labour migration from elsewhere in Europe.”

Mr Copsey said: “We should be proud that people who have suffered persecution in their homelands or who wish to better themselves and their families, should choose to make new homes in Ryedale.”

Howard Keal, the Thirsk and Malton prospective parliamentary Lib Dem candidate, said: “Two supporters who were confronted in Norton were asked if they were distributing Nazi literature and their answer was: “Yes, we are.”

He accused the BNP of “pedalling myths” over such issues as housing, Europe and jobs.

Mr Keal, a member of Ryedale District Council, said: “Until now I have always regarded Ryedale as a safe haven out of reach of the racist BNP.

“It is a huge regret to find that it has broken cover and is openly attempting to spread its mix of hate, myths and lies.”

On its website the BNP says: “The party believes in telling the truth, even if it is sometimes uncomfortable to hear or offensive to those who would rather bury their heads in the sand than face real problems in our society.

“But while we often pass quite critical comment on the impact of immigration, multi-culturalism and alien religions on the indigenous people of our lands, we have no animosity towards immigrants, their descendants or the followers of non-native religions.”

Friday’s meeting is being held at Norton Town Council offices at 7.30pm.