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25/08/2009
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.
Mr Griffin along with two other BNP officials have accused the Government watchdog of attempting to shift attention away from it own problems, describing the move as "pathetic".
Equality Minister Harriet Harman welcomed the legal bid and said: "No party should be allowed to have an apartheid constitution in 21st Century Britain."
The commission, which originally voiced concerns over the BNP's constitution in June, will now take action through the county court.
In a statement it said: "The BNP's membership criteria appear to restrict membership to those within what the BNP regards as particular 'ethnic groups' and those whose skin colour is white. This exclusion is contrary to the Race Relations Act.
"The commission believes the BNP's constitution and membership criteria are discriminatory and, further, that the continued publication of them on the BNP website is unlawful.
"It has therefore issued county court proceedings against party leader Nick Griffin and two other officials."
Legal Director at the Commission, John Wadham said the party has not showed any willingness to amend its membership criteria, stating that the watchdog has a duty to enforce the law.
The word 'white' is not used in the BNP's 2008 constitution, however, it lists a series of Anglo-Saxon-Celtic groups which are afforded membership, and represent "the indigenous British ethnic groups deriving from the class of 'Indigenous Caucasian'".
However, BNP Legal Officer Lee Barnes told the BBC: "We think that the commission has brought this action at the behest of the Labour Party.
"It is also a galvanising thing to focus the commission's attention away from its own problems and internal issues."
In recent months six commissioners have left the equality body, amid negative comments regarding chair Trevor Phillips' leadership.
Mr Barnes said: "It has nothing to do with discrimination; it's all to do with internal politicking."
A Government investigation into the running of the commission is set to take place later this year.
(PR/BMcC)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a court action centered on the right-wing group's alleged "discriminatory and unlawful" membership policy.
Mr Griffin along with two other BNP officials have accused the Government watchdog of attempting to shift attention away from it own problems, describing the move as "pathetic".
Equality Minister Harriet Harman welcomed the legal bid and said: "No party should be allowed to have an apartheid constitution in 21st Century Britain."
The commission, which originally voiced concerns over the BNP's constitution in June, will now take action through the county court.
In a statement it said: "The BNP's membership criteria appear to restrict membership to those within what the BNP regards as particular 'ethnic groups' and those whose skin colour is white. This exclusion is contrary to the Race Relations Act.
"The commission believes the BNP's constitution and membership criteria are discriminatory and, further, that the continued publication of them on the BNP website is unlawful.
"It has therefore issued county court proceedings against party leader Nick Griffin and two other officials."
Legal Director at the Commission, John Wadham said the party has not showed any willingness to amend its membership criteria, stating that the watchdog has a duty to enforce the law.
The word 'white' is not used in the BNP's 2008 constitution, however, it lists a series of Anglo-Saxon-Celtic groups which are afforded membership, and represent "the indigenous British ethnic groups deriving from the class of 'Indigenous Caucasian'".
However, BNP Legal Officer Lee Barnes told the BBC: "We think that the commission has brought this action at the behest of the Labour Party.
"It is also a galvanising thing to focus the commission's attention away from its own problems and internal issues."
In recent months six commissioners have left the equality body, amid negative comments regarding chair Trevor Phillips' leadership.
Mr Barnes said: "It has nothing to do with discrimination; it's all to do with internal politicking."
A Government investigation into the running of the commission is set to take place later this year.
(PR/BMcC)
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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.
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.
15 February 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.
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.
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.
