BNP to stage small-scale rally in city over activist’s death

| Monday, 30 June 2008 Source: The Sentinel (Staffordshire)

The leader of the British National Party will be in Stoke-on-Trent to mark the anniversary of activist Keith Brown's death.

Mr Brown, who lived in Uttoxeter Road in Normacot, was stabbed to death on July 6 last year by his Muslim neighbour Habib Khan following a long-running dispute.

Last month Khan was convicted of manslaughter by reason of lack of intent, and is awaiting sentence.

However, Councillor Alby Walker, leader of the BNP city councillors, stressed there would be no large-scale rally until after the court case is settled. Mr Walker said: "Sunday will mainly be a memorial to Keith. It's not going to be a big event.

"We will spend a couple of hours leafleting in the estates around where Keith lived before we all meet in a pub for a buffet. Keith's family have been invited and we will have a collection for them. Nick will say a few words.

"It's a way to get together to mark the anniversary of Keith's death."

On Sunday BNP leader Nick Griffin and activists from around the West Midlands will join BNP city councillors to hand out leaflets in the neighbourhoods near Mr Brown's home.

In the afternoon Mr Brown's partner Julia Barker and his seven children have been invited to join BNP members at a city pub. Mr Griffin is expected to pay tribute to Mr Brown and hold a minute's silence in his memory.The party is planning to hold a national rally in Stoke-on-Trent when Khan has been sentenced. The BNP had talked of holding the rally on Sunday but decided to postpone it.