BNP opponents stage Exeter protest

OPPONENTS of the British National Party protested in the centre of Exeter at the weekend.

The protests against the far-right political party came as a retaliatory gesture for the previous weekend, which saw BNP supporters handing out leaflets in the city centre.

Unite Against Fascism obtained authorisation from city centre bosses to set up a stand in Bedford Square, where the BNP had been, and on Saturday about a dozen people distributed leaflets discouraging people from supporting the right-wing group.

Unite Against Fascism member Mike Gurney said they were shocked when they found out what the BNP had been doing and thought the party should not go unopposed.

He said: "We know the BNP is going to stand in the European elections in June and we hope to run a big campaign against them in the run-up."

Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw lent his support by spending some time at the UAF stand.

He said: "It's important to be vigilant against the far right, who are trying to exploit the current economic problems in the world, just like in the 1930s, and exploit people's fears and anxieties."

On Saturday, January 31, the BNP was forced to pack up by the police.

City centre manager John Harvey said the party had not requested permission to use Bedford Square, and had it done so, it would not have been granted for reasons of offence to shoppers or businesses and public order concerns.

The Socialist Party set up two stands in the city on Saturday and also had about a dozen supporters distributing leaflets. The party has a stand every week, but like the BNP, got moved on last weekend.

Party member Steve Bush, who runs the Facebook group against the BNP in Broadclyst and Devon, said: "We came back with two stalls to show we have a right to be here. We knew UAF were coming so we came to show a united front against the BNP."

The BNP claims it is standing up for the rights of British workers in light of the recent furore over jobs at the Lindsey oil refinery in North Lincolnshire being given to Italian workers.

Several people have supported the BNP on the Echo's website, saying everyone is entitled to voice their opinions.

Rod Gray, from Dawlish Warren, wrote: "Whatever happened to the concept of free speech? The BNP is a legitimate political party, it should have the same rights as any other party. Like all political parties, it has some good policies and some bad.

"If people do not like any party's agenda they voice their disapproval at the ballot box."

Peter Lucas wrote: "This is still a democratic country and the BNP deserves to be heard."

Kelly, from Exeter, wrote: "Before this Government ruined the country I would never have considered voting anything but Labour. I have seen protesters trying to prevent the BNP from their political rights. This is making me more intrigued in what they have to say."