BNP Branded 'Nazi Thugs'

By Vivienne Morgan, Political Staff, PA News | Thursday, 15 July 2004 Source: PA News

The BNP was dubbed a party of "vile Nazis and thugs" by Commons Leader Peter Hain as all sides of the Commons condemned the far-right group today.

Mr Hain also sent out a strong message of support for Britain's Muslim community, hailing its cultural and economic contribution to national life.

His comments came ahead of an undercover documentary featuring British National Party activists confessing to committing racially-motivated crimes being screened on BBC1 tonight.

During exchanges on future business, Labour's David Chaytor cited a Commons motion condemning the "astonishing decision" by the Conservative council in Calderdale to appoint a BNP councillor to its racial equality and community cohesion working party.

Mr Chaytor (Bury N) called for a debate on BNP activities and the Conservative Party's position towards the far-right party.

Responding, Mr Hain quoted remarks made in the programme by BNP member, Stewart Williams, about wanting to machine-gun Muslim worshippers with "about a million bullets".

"This is a statement of the vilest kind by a vile party of Nazis and thugs and the sooner we confront them and beat them the better," he said.

"It's an organisation with long-standing criminal convictions and connections which we ought to wipe off the electoral landscape by taking them on in the ballot box."

West Yorkshire Police were considering whether there was enough evidence to prosecute, he added.

"I think it's also important that the House reaffirms our support for the rights of all individuals to worship Islam.

"It's one of the world's greatest religions and the Government respects and values the major economic and cultural contribution that the British Muslim community are making to our country."

Raising a point of order later, shadow Commons leader Oliver Heald said: "I'd just like to make it clear on behalf of the Opposition that we do contest seats against the BNP everywhere in the country and we do passionately disagree with their views.

"It is in all parts of the House that we hate their creed."