Tory Howard joins OBV in BNP condemnation

Operation Black Vote and community groups have succeeded in convincing the Conservatives that the priority coming up to the next local elections is defeating the BNP

The BNP have 7 councillors on Burnley Council and are campaigning in key areas coming up to the 2004 local elections.

Simon Woolley OBV's National Co-ordinator stated: The success of the BNP over the last four years did not appear from nowhere. They emerged from a climate of scaremongering and demonisation from certain sections of the media and inciteful rhetoric from all the political parties. Only when the parties move towards the mainstream and ensure that all people play a full and positive role in our democracy can we decisively beat the BNP.

Michael Howard, Leader of the Conservatives said: OBV is an important organisation which encourages more people from BME communities to take part in politics and we're pleased to take part in the MP shadowing scheme run by them. On the other hand The British National Party are a stain on our democratic way of life. It is important for politicians from mainstream parties to face up to these extremists. The policies of the BNP are based on bigotry and hatred. Its approach is entirely alien to our political traditions. This is not a political movement. This is a bunch of thugs dressed up as a political party.

Notes to the editor: OBV are working in Burnley with the 1990 Trust and Unite against Fascism.