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19/11/2008
Merseyside Officer Named On BNP Member List
Merseyside Police has launched an investigation after the name of one of its officers was published on a leaked document containing British National Party (BNP) members.
Names, addresses, mobile phone numbers and job titles of more than 12,000 (BNP) members have been leaked online, prompting calls for a police investigation by the far right party's leader.
Serving and former police officers, soldiers, teachers and doctors listed as members were in fear for their jobs last night after the party's entire member register was posted on the internet.
A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said it was not confirmed whether the officer was a member of the far-right party.
She added: "Meanwhile, as a matter of urgency, we have immediately started an investigation into all aspects of this case. We will be keeping an open mind until all of the facts have been established."
Meanwhile, TalkSport radio presenter Rod Lucas was axed after his details were published on the list.
The station said it would no longer use the Sony award-winning DJ, whose name featured in the list.
"We were not aware of his membership of the BNP until today," TalkSport said in a statement.
Among the occupations of the party members, were members of the armed forces, teachers, an NHS doctor, journalist, nurse and a vicar.
While there is no formal ban on these professions from joining the BNP, its far-right political ideals and 'whites-only' membership policy deem it incompatible with frontline public service.
However, police officers - of whom there are some named on the published list - are banned from joining.
Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "Membership or promotion of the BNP by any member of the police service, whether police officer or public staff, is prohibited.
"This is because such membership would be incompatible with our duty to promote equality under the Race Relations Amendment Act and would damage the confidence of minority communities."
He added: "Whilst the policy may have been controversial at the time it was enacted, in 2004, it has since been accepted by all staff and staff associations and remains unchallenged thus far."
In a statement on the party's website, BNP Leader Nick Griffin said the leak was a "disgraceful act of treachery" adding that the former BNP members involved had subsequently been sacked.
He also said a complaint with Dyfed-Powys Police had been lodged, on the grounds that the publication breached human rights and data protection laws.
(JM)
Names, addresses, mobile phone numbers and job titles of more than 12,000 (BNP) members have been leaked online, prompting calls for a police investigation by the far right party's leader.
Serving and former police officers, soldiers, teachers and doctors listed as members were in fear for their jobs last night after the party's entire member register was posted on the internet.
A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said it was not confirmed whether the officer was a member of the far-right party.
She added: "Meanwhile, as a matter of urgency, we have immediately started an investigation into all aspects of this case. We will be keeping an open mind until all of the facts have been established."
Meanwhile, TalkSport radio presenter Rod Lucas was axed after his details were published on the list.
The station said it would no longer use the Sony award-winning DJ, whose name featured in the list.
"We were not aware of his membership of the BNP until today," TalkSport said in a statement.
Among the occupations of the party members, were members of the armed forces, teachers, an NHS doctor, journalist, nurse and a vicar.
While there is no formal ban on these professions from joining the BNP, its far-right political ideals and 'whites-only' membership policy deem it incompatible with frontline public service.
However, police officers - of whom there are some named on the published list - are banned from joining.
Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "Membership or promotion of the BNP by any member of the police service, whether police officer or public staff, is prohibited.
"This is because such membership would be incompatible with our duty to promote equality under the Race Relations Amendment Act and would damage the confidence of minority communities."
He added: "Whilst the policy may have been controversial at the time it was enacted, in 2004, it has since been accepted by all staff and staff associations and remains unchallenged thus far."
In a statement on the party's website, BNP Leader Nick Griffin said the leak was a "disgraceful act of treachery" adding that the former BNP members involved had subsequently been sacked.
He also said a complaint with Dyfed-Powys Police had been lodged, on the grounds that the publication breached human rights and data protection laws.
(JM)
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20 November 2008
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.
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.
21 November 2008
Police Investigate Blaze Near BNP Member
West Yorkshire Police are carrying out an investigation after a suspicious fire was reported close to the house of a British National Party (BNP) member. Police said firefighters and officers were called to tackle the car fire in Windy Bank, Liversedge, West Yorkshire, late on Thursday night.
Police Investigate Blaze Near BNP Member
West Yorkshire Police are carrying out an investigation after a suspicious fire was reported close to the house of a British National Party (BNP) member. Police said firefighters and officers were called to tackle the car fire in Windy Bank, Liversedge, West Yorkshire, late on Thursday night.
25 August 2009
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.
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.
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.
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'
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.
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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.
