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15/02/2010
BNP Will Admit Black Members
The British National Party has over-turned its "whites-only" membership policy following a threat from human rights authorities.
Members of the far right political party met in Essex yesterday and voted to amend its constitution.
Black and Asian people are now able to join the BNP - an organisation which has fervently denied accusations of racism.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission had threatened an injunction against the party's activities given its previous membership policy for "indigenous British" only.
Next month a judge will decide whether the constitutional change abides by race laws and warrants the BNP's continuation.
A party spokesman would not disclose the reword of the policy yesterday. The meeting's proceedings were interrupted when BNP members jostled with journalists from The Times newspaper. He was ejected by security, who accused him of "writing lies" about the party.
It is believed lawyers for the Equality and Human Rights Commission have read the amended membership document.
BNP leader, and MEP, Nick Griffin said: "We had to do it (change the constitution) for legal reasons. Many of our members think it's a good thing.
"A lot of people said we should have done it some time ago but that's really by the by.
"Our problem with this is a government funded, taxpayer-funded quango telling people who they can and can't associate with, [which] is a fundamental outrage.
"Nevertheless, we recognise legal reality, so we have done it and now, for one thing, they can't call us racist any more."
An Equality and Human Rights Commission spokeswoman said: "We're expecting to see a copy of the policy on Tuesday, which is the deadline set by the court.
"When we've received this we will consider our position ahead of the next court hearing on 9 March."
Meanwhile anti-fascist group Searchlight said the membership rule change was "a meaningless gesture".
"The BNP are as racist and extremist as ever," said a spokesman for the group.
(PR/GK)
Members of the far right political party met in Essex yesterday and voted to amend its constitution.
Black and Asian people are now able to join the BNP - an organisation which has fervently denied accusations of racism.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission had threatened an injunction against the party's activities given its previous membership policy for "indigenous British" only.
Next month a judge will decide whether the constitutional change abides by race laws and warrants the BNP's continuation.
A party spokesman would not disclose the reword of the policy yesterday. The meeting's proceedings were interrupted when BNP members jostled with journalists from The Times newspaper. He was ejected by security, who accused him of "writing lies" about the party.
It is believed lawyers for the Equality and Human Rights Commission have read the amended membership document.
BNP leader, and MEP, Nick Griffin said: "We had to do it (change the constitution) for legal reasons. Many of our members think it's a good thing.
"A lot of people said we should have done it some time ago but that's really by the by.
"Our problem with this is a government funded, taxpayer-funded quango telling people who they can and can't associate with, [which] is a fundamental outrage.
"Nevertheless, we recognise legal reality, so we have done it and now, for one thing, they can't call us racist any more."
An Equality and Human Rights Commission spokeswoman said: "We're expecting to see a copy of the policy on Tuesday, which is the deadline set by the court.
"When we've received this we will consider our position ahead of the next court hearing on 9 March."
Meanwhile anti-fascist group Searchlight said the membership rule change was "a meaningless gesture".
"The BNP are as racist and extremist as ever," said a spokesman for the group.
(PR/GK)
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Legal Challenge To BNP 'Apartheid'
British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin is facing a legal challenge against his party's "indigenous Caucasian" only membership criteria. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a court action centered on the right-wing group's alleged "discriminatory and unlawful" membership policy.
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Police Launch Inquiry Into Officer's BNP Links
Merseyside Police are investigating whether a serving constable is a member of the British National Party (BNP). PC Steve Bettley's name was one of thousands on the leaked BNP membership list, posted online.
23 October 2009
BNP Enjoys 'Oxygen Of Publicity'
A right-wing minority political party is celebrating this week after a controversial TV appearance by its leader has sparked massive nationwide publicity. The British National Party leader Nick Griffin, said yesterday that he is confident his appearance on last night's BBC Question Time will have won his party the support of millions in the UK.
BNP Enjoys 'Oxygen Of Publicity'
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23 June 2009
BNP 'Could Face Injunction' Over Membership Policies
The British National Party could face an injunction on the grounds its membership policies have possibly breached the Race Relations Act. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to the far-right party's leader Nick Griffin, saying the BNP's constitution, membership criteria and employment practices could breach the Act on three counts.
BNP 'Could Face Injunction' Over Membership Policies
The British National Party could face an injunction on the grounds its membership policies have possibly breached the Race Relations Act. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to the far-right party's leader Nick Griffin, saying the BNP's constitution, membership criteria and employment practices could breach the Act on three counts.
11 October 2010
BNP Leafleting 'Offside' Says NI Fans
A right wing UK nationalist party has been leafleting an east Belfast soccer match. The presence of the British National Party (BNP) members outside the Glentoran V Glenavon football game at the Oval has been described as uninvited and unwelcome by both fans and by Robin Newton, the East Belfast DUP MLA and Stormont Junior Minister.
BNP Leafleting 'Offside' Says NI Fans
A right wing UK nationalist party has been leafleting an east Belfast soccer match. The presence of the British National Party (BNP) members outside the Glentoran V Glenavon football game at the Oval has been described as uninvited and unwelcome by both fans and by Robin Newton, the East Belfast DUP MLA and Stormont Junior Minister.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
