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08/06/2009
BNP Win Two Seats As Labour Suffers Worst Ever Results
The far-right British National Party (BNP) has won its first two seats in the European Parliament, as Labour suffered its worst ever post-war election result.
The BNP's Andrew Brons gained a seat in Yorkshire and Humberside, while the party's leader Nick Griffin was elected in the North West of England region.
It is the first time the anti-immigration party have won seats at national elections.
Gordon Brown faces renewed pressure as Labour came third behind the Conservatives and UKIP - which campaigns for Britain's withdrawal from the EU - in the elections.
Labour's share of the vote at the European elections was just 15.3% - much worse than party bosses had initially feared.
The Tories won with 28.6%, beating Labour in Wales but failing to increase their total share significantly.
Hilary Benn, the Environment Secretary, said Labour was suffering because of public anger over MPs' expenses. He said: "We have been affected by the expenses scandal. There is no doubt people have been angry about that."
Meanwhile, Mr Griffin said his party had gained from Labour's failures.
"It is a historic breakthrough," he said. "It is a great moment for democracy. Labour has helped to turn this country into a crime-ridden slum with no industry left."
In his victory speech, he added he was "absolutely delighted" and said "it will be a huge change in British politics".
"The most demonised and lied about party in British politics has made a massive breakthrough. The public have had their say in a democratic election and we should respect that," the BNP leader said.
Mainstream parties condemned the result, with both Labour and Conservatives calling it a "sad day" for politics.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham described the BNP as "like the ultimate protest vote".
"It is how to deliver the establishment a two-fingered salute,” he added. "I think largely it is a comment on Westminster politics."
Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said: "On D-Day, Britain sent an army to Europe to stop the Nazis getting to Britain.
"It is an absolute insult to the memories to those who fought that 65 years later Britain is now sending Nazis to Europe to represent us."
(JM/KMcA)
The BNP's Andrew Brons gained a seat in Yorkshire and Humberside, while the party's leader Nick Griffin was elected in the North West of England region.
It is the first time the anti-immigration party have won seats at national elections.
Gordon Brown faces renewed pressure as Labour came third behind the Conservatives and UKIP - which campaigns for Britain's withdrawal from the EU - in the elections.
Labour's share of the vote at the European elections was just 15.3% - much worse than party bosses had initially feared.
The Tories won with 28.6%, beating Labour in Wales but failing to increase their total share significantly.
Hilary Benn, the Environment Secretary, said Labour was suffering because of public anger over MPs' expenses. He said: "We have been affected by the expenses scandal. There is no doubt people have been angry about that."
Meanwhile, Mr Griffin said his party had gained from Labour's failures.
"It is a historic breakthrough," he said. "It is a great moment for democracy. Labour has helped to turn this country into a crime-ridden slum with no industry left."
In his victory speech, he added he was "absolutely delighted" and said "it will be a huge change in British politics".
"The most demonised and lied about party in British politics has made a massive breakthrough. The public have had their say in a democratic election and we should respect that," the BNP leader said.
Mainstream parties condemned the result, with both Labour and Conservatives calling it a "sad day" for politics.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham described the BNP as "like the ultimate protest vote".
"It is how to deliver the establishment a two-fingered salute,” he added. "I think largely it is a comment on Westminster politics."
Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said: "On D-Day, Britain sent an army to Europe to stop the Nazis getting to Britain.
"It is an absolute insult to the memories to those who fought that 65 years later Britain is now sending Nazis to Europe to represent us."
(JM/KMcA)
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